Progressive Son Of Gleneagles Captures Group 3 Contest
The progressive Calandagan (3g Gleneagles – Calayana, by Sinndar) registered a first Stakes success in Sunday’s Group 3 Prix Noailles at Longchamp.
Francis-Henri Graffard’s charge finished second in a Listed race on last month’s seasonal return, and reopposed the winner on Sunday. Settled at the back of the field by Stephane Pasquier, he began to improve from three furlongs out and was asked to challenge approaching the two furlong marker. He ran on strongly to lead a furlong later and kept on well to beat the favourite by a length and three quarters.
Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “He had come on a lot from his first run this year and I was expecting a good performance. I liked how he behaved when he was challenged by the favourite, he dug in and found more. I have no idea what will be next. He is a gelding so Classics are not for him, but he is a Group winner now.
Owned and bred by His Highness the Aga Khan, Calandagan emerged as a smart prospect when drawing ten lengths clear at Chantilly last October. He becomes a 23rd individual Group winner by Gleneagles, who has an exciting ahead with Classic prospects Arrow Eagle, Brilliant and One Look.