Graffard maps out British targets for Calandagan and Daryz as summer plans come into focus

• Francis-Henri Graffard maps out plans for stay middle distance performers
• Calandagan expected to take in the Coronation Cup at Epsom at Derby Meeting
• Daryz lined up for a Royal Ascot return in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes

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Francis-Henri Graffard has indicated that Calandagan is on course for the Coolmore Coronation Cup at Epsom while Arc winner Daryz is being readied for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, giving Britain two looming tests for the Aga Khan Studs stars.

Graffard maps out British targets for Calandagan and Daryz as summer plans come into focus

Francis-Henri Graffard has sharpened the British campaign picture for two of Europe’s most important older horses, with Calandagan being trained toward the Coolmore Coronation Cup at Epsom and Daryz lined up for a Royal Ascot return in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

The At The Races site carried the latest trainer update on Thursday, May 28, reporting that both horses remain in strong shape ahead of their next intended assignments.

With Graffard adding

“They are both in very good shape and I could not be happier with them.

“Calandagan has been trained for Epsom and hopefully the ground will not get too soft. He looks well and I feel he wants to go back to work.

“He’s ready and he wants to go back to the races, and everything has gone very smoothly with him.”

Calandagan’s Epsom target has obvious substance.

As the five-year-old was narrowly beaten by Jan Brueghel in last year’s Coronation Cup, but his later season turned him into one of the continent’s standout performers (watch below).

Calandagan is 11/8 with BetTom to win the Coronation Cup on Saturday 6th June – the same day as the Epsom Derby.

Plus since Calandagan ran second in the race 12 months ago, he’s since recorded top-level wins at Meydan, Ascot and Tokyo, when landed the Japan Cup last November.

 

Daryz’s route carries a slightly different shape

The Arc winner Daryz has already returned successfully this spring and Sporting Life’s profile page lists the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday, June 17 among his current engagements.

Racing Post’s Royal Ascot race page also places him in the early Prince of Wales’s picture, reinforcing the idea that Graffard is building toward a midsummer clash at a mile and a quarter rather than rushing him back into another immediate 12-furlong target.

“Daryz has come out of his race at ParisLongchamp really well and I’m very happy he has shown this incredible turn of foot this season,” continued Graffard.

“They are very different in the way they move and the way they accelerate is different too, but Daryz has been incredible and the Prince of Wales’s Stakes will be a very tough race, but I know I have a very good horse to try to win this race with.

“Fingers crossed everything goes well between now and Ascot.” Said Graffard.

Daryz is as short at 5/4 with BetTom for the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes – and 3/1 to defend his Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe crown at Longchamp in October.