Calandagan on course for blockbuster Coronation Cup - 'He's really picking up now and looks great' Francis-Henri Graffard’s all-conquering Calandagan remains on course for an Epsom showdown with some of the best middle-distance performers around early next month. The Gleneagles gelding has a sublime record at Ascot, but instead of an appearance at the Royal meeting he is slated for another tilt at the Coolmore-sponsored Coronation Cup, in which he was denied by Jan Brueghel 12 months ago. The five-year-old is unbeaten in five races since that reversal on the Surrey Downs, going on to become officially the world’s best racehorse last term. Having corrected his second from the 2025 Dubai Sheema Classic on his World Cup night return, he will now bid to do the same at Epsom against Aidan O’Brien’s Jan Brueghel and also Lambourn, who both advertised their credentials at Chester recently. “If the ground stays on the good side we will bring him to Epsom,” said Graffard, who is fully aware of the strength of the opposition. “He’s really picking up now and looks great. Everyone wants to try to beat him, but we will be there ready for the challenge.”
