Calandagan aims to defend Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud title

Last year's Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud winner Calandagan returns to the French track on Saturday, seeking back-to-back victories in the Group 1 contest. The five-time top-level champion, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, was last seen finishing second in the Coronation Cup at Epsom after struggling with the deep ground.

Calandagan, who also won the Japan Cup and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes last season, will be ridden by Mickael Barzalona. He faces a field of nine, including three raiders from Britain and Ireland.

Key challengers

Aidan O'Brien saddles Lambourn, the Derby winner who defeated Calandagan at Epsom before a disappointing run at Royal Ascot. Ryan Moore takes the ride. Other notable contenders include Grand Prix de Paris winner Leffard and last year's runner-up Aventure, who warmed up with a win at ParisLongchamp in May.

• Calandagan (Francis-Henri Graffard, Mickael Barzalona) – defending champion, Japan Cup winner
• Lambourn (Aidan O'Brien, Ryan Moore) – Derby winner, beat Calandagan at Epsom
• Leffard (British-trained) – won Grand Prix de Paris
• Aventure (French-trained) – Group 1 winner, second in this race last year
• Pride Off Arras (Ralph Beckett, Rossa Ryan) – Dante winner, each-way chance

What's next

The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud is a key prep for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe later in the season. A strong performance from Calandagan could set him up for another tilt at Europe's richest race.