Calandagan attempts to secure consecutive victories in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, headlining today’s feature race in France.
3.40 Saint-Cloud — Calandagan Returns to Defend Title
Calandagan faces three British and Irish challengers as he bids for a second consecutive win in this prestigious Group 1 contest.
Francis-Henri Graffard’s Japan Cup winner suffered a rare setback when failing to handle the demanding ground in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. The five-time Group 1 victor is expected to rebound strongly under Mickael Barzalona, with conditions appearing more favourable this time around.
Aidan O’Brien, who has amassed 11 Group 1 victories this season, saddles Lambourn with Ryan Moore aboard. Last year’s Derby winner returned with a determined victory at Chester before finishing ahead of Calandagan at Epsom. However, he failed to make an impact at Royal Ascot last time out and faces a ratings deficit.
Paris Grand Prix victor Leffard holds place claims, while Adventure emerges as the primary danger. A Group 1 winner herself, she chased home the favourite in this race twelve months ago and prepared with a comfortable success over Sunly at ParisLongchamp in May.
Last year’s Dante Stakes winner Pride Of Arras represents another each-way contender for trainer Ralph Beckett and jockey Rossa Ryan.
4.15 Southwell — Competitive Handicap Features Kylian, Naana’s Sparkle and Tropical Storm
A complex puzzle awaits in the Download The At The Races App Handicap, with nine runners including Kylian and Tropical Storm.
Tropical Storm, a dual Listed winner, has struggled in higher-grade handicaps recently. Connections have opted for a wind operation in an attempt to spark improvement.
Kylian presents an intriguing option for Robert Cowell. Though yet to win for his current trainer, he has descended to a workable mark and showed encouraging signs when eighth at Newcastle.
Naana’s Sparkle merits consideration on his penultimate victory at Yarmouth and was not disgraced at Doncaster subsequently. Buzz Box ran a promising fourth at Newcastle on his January reappearance and returns after another break for new trainer Michael Herrington; market support would be noteworthy.
4.55 Southwell — In-Form Sixpack Pursues Hat-Trick
The progressive Sixpack chases a third consecutive victory in the closing Follow @attheraces On X Handicap.
James Owen’s six-year-old has flourished this season, winning three times including his last two starts. Despite a 7lb rise in the weights, he remains a formidable opponent and retains untapped potential at this distance.
Sax Appeal, a course-and-distance winner, ran creditably to finish third in the Northumberland Vase at Newcastle last weekend. Alrazeen and New York Minute also warrant respect.
