Dual Group Winner Continues Fine Run For Gleneagles

Calandagan (3g Gleneagles – Calayana, by Sinndar) ran on strongly to record back-to-back Group 3 wins at Longchamp on Thursday.

An impressive winner at the end of last season, Francis-Henri Graffard’s charge went close in a Listed race on his three-year-old return, before landing a Group 3 contest last month. Sent off favourite to follow up in the Group 3 Prix Hocquart, he tracked the leaders under Stephane Pasquier and was asked to quicken as they turn for home. He ran on strongly from the two furlong pole to lead in the final 150 yards, going on to beat long-time leader Trafalgar Square by a length and three quarters. The pair drew three and a half lengths clear of the third.

Speaking after the race, Graffard said, “There is no doubt he has improved with every race and there is probably more room for improvement. He was again a bit green in between horses, but quickened really well once into the clear. He is a horse I have always liked.”

On future plans for the Aga Khan homebred, the trainer stated, “Group 1 races are not for him now, so we have made an entry at Royal Ascot in the Group 2 King Edward VII. It looks ideal trip-wise and timing-wise.”

Calandagan continues a fruitful few weeks for Gleneagles, with Mill Stream (Gleneagles) having won a Group 2 sprint the previous week. Earlier in the month, Ambiente Friendly (Gleneagles) emerged as a leading contender for the Epsom Derby when winning the Lingfield Trial impressively.