G2 King Edward VII Stakes winner Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) will likely get a break after his exploits at Royal Ascot.
Since he is ineligible for some French Group 1 races after being gelded–namely the G1 Grand Prix de Paris and the G1 Arc de Triomphe–trainer Francis-Henri Graffard is in no rush to plot what the next assignment will be for the multiple Group winner.
“We know how hard it is to be competitive and win at Ascot, so we are delighted with this win of course,” Graffard said. “He can't run in the Grand Prix de Paris and Arc de Triomphe. We will see where we go next. He came out of the race well but he probably needs a little bit of a break now.”
It is a similar situation for G1 French 1,000 Guineas winner Rouhiya (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), but in the filly's case, it'll be in the hopes of diagnosing what went wrong with her non-effort at Ascot. She trailed home last of nine in the G1 Coronation Stakes.
“We have to find out what went wrong. I have my idea behind my back, in my head, but she didn't run a minute–too bad to be true. I don't know where she will go next. I want to find out what went wrong.”
Another runner in the yard does have future targets, however, as Graffard hinted that G3 Prix d'Hedouville winner Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger) could be returning to Britain for the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes July 27 at Ascot after his runner-up effort to Isle of Jura (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) in the G2 Hardwicke Stakes.
“Goliath is a horse I've always liked. He's quite difficult to manage during the race. He pulled too much again on Saturday but he was a comfortable second. He came out well and can even return in the King George. It's a thing we can look at with the owner but he's a nice horse and we are pleased with the track.”
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