Calandagan seeks back-to-back Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud wins

Group 1 winner Calandagan will attempt to win the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud for the second consecutive year in today's feature race at the French track.

Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, the five-time top-level champion suffered a rare defeat last month when struggling on deep ground in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. He is expected to bounce back under more favourable conditions.

The Challengers

Calandagan faces a trio of British and Irish raiders. Aidan O'Brien's Lambourn, ridden by Ryan Moore, finished ahead of Calandagan at Epsom but was last seen failing to make an impact at Royal Ascot. Other contenders include Grand Prix de Paris winner Leffard and last year's runner-up Aventure, a Group 1 winner who warmed up with a win in May.

• Calandagan is a five-time Group 1 winner, including the Japan Cup and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
• He was beaten over unsuitable soft ground in the Coronation Cup at Epsom.
• He faces three British/Irish challengers: Lambourn (Aidan O'Brien), Leffard, and Aventure.
• Lambourn finished ahead of Calandagan at Epsom but failed at Royal Ascot.
• Aventure chased home Calandagan in this race last season and won a Group 2 in May.

The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud is run over 2,400 metres (about 1 mile 4 furlongs) and carries Group 1 status. Calandagan's proven ability on good ground and his class edge make him the one to beat, but the depth of the field ensures a competitive contest.

A victory would not only secure back-to-back wins in this race but also reaffirm Calandagan's status among the top middle-distance horses in Europe. The race is scheduled for 3:55 PM local time at Saint-Cloud racecourse.