Francis-Henri Graffard was happy with Calandagan in defeat after the French raider discovered solely the good Metropolis Of Troy too robust in an epic Juddmonte Worldwide at York.
Calandagan was on a roll after finishing a hat-trick for the season with a shocking show within the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, and he was a 13-2 shot to proceed his successful streak in what appeared the race of the season on the Knavesmire.
There was no hanging round from the much-heralded Derby hero Metropolis Of Troy, who galloped his rivals into submission from the entrance to assert victory in a course document time – and it was Graffard’s cost who gave him most to consider.
CITY OF TROY makes all in a stellar working of the £1.25m Juddmonte Worldwide! @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/H5CKF7kCCM
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 21, 2024
Stephane Pasquier’s mount ate up the bottom within the dwelling straight and can briefly have had Metropolis Of Troy’s supporters sweating after transferring onto his tail. He couldn’t fairly get on phrases, however his coach felt he misplaced little in arising solely a size quick.
“It was a improbable run. They jumped very quick after which they took a pull and that didn’t swimsuit us, as we discovered ourselves fairly removed from the lead,” mentioned Graffard.
“He tried my horse, the best way he quickened within the straight, it was improbable to look at. I shouted as I used to be considering we had been coming to get him (Metropolis Of Troy), however he saved pushing and he’s a champion.
“I’m very happy with our horse. It’s the first time he has run in a Group One and we didn’t have any Group One type earlier than, so there have been nonetheless numerous query marks – however the best way he accelerated within the straight was improbable and he’s an excellent horse.”
Whereas in no rush to agency up future plans, Graffard raised a return to Ascot for the Qipco Champion Stakes in October as a risk.
He added: “Clearly we are going to see how he comes again. He can come again to Ascot for the Champion Stakes, we are going to converse to the entourage clearly, however we all know he doesn’t thoughts tender floor.
“There are many choices. As you already know, he’s a gelding. We’ll see how he comes again as a result of I believe he gave numerous his coronary heart on the racecourse at this time.
“He positively might (journey overseas), however I believe he’s a horse that wishes a giant, galloping observe.”
Having completed third behind Metropolis Of Troy within the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown final month, Clive Cox’s 33-1 shot Ghostwriter once more picked up the bronze medal to emerge better of the house staff.
Ghostwriter (second proper) ending third within the Juddmonte Worldwide (Mike Egerton/PA)
Cox mentioned: “I’m extraordinarily proud. It was positively the race of the yr and I’m very happy with how my horse has acquitted himself impeccably, having fun with the drier floor.
“Full marks to Richard Kingscote for the trip he gave him from stall 13 and I’m extremely delighted with the run and proud to be a part of it.
“It was a career-best with no shadow of a doubt. We’ve at all times believed in him, he was an unimaginable two-year-old, these goals at all times felt potential and fortunately he’s confirming these prospects.
“I believe a mile and 1 / 4 is his journey and I don’t suppose we’ll be looking out to take him additional.”
Bluestocking successful the Fairly Polly Stakes on the Curragh (Damien Eagers/PA)
Bluestocking has loved a fantastic season for coach Ralph Beckett and house owners Juddmonte, touchdown the Middleton Stakes over this course and distance within the spring earlier than breaking her Group One duck within the Fairly Polly Stakes in Eire after which ending second to Goliath within the King George.
Strong market help led to her going off the 5-1 second-favourite for her newest top-level project and whereas she was removed from disgraced in fourth, connections felt the run uncovered her limitations in opposition to the very best of the boys.
“She’s run an enormous race, to be honest. The primary three dwelling are excellent horses and to be better of the remaining in what appeared just like the race of the yr was an enormous run,” mentioned Juddmonte’s European racing supervisor Barry Mahon.
“At present was to search out out whether or not she was as much as an Arc or if she is a filly for the Prix de l’Opera or the Fillies & Mares on Champions Day. I believe at this time we came upon we’ve obtained an excellent filly, however she’s most likely higher sticking to her personal intercourse.
“We’re very, very pleased along with her and Rossa (Ryan) mentioned the journey makes no distinction (mile and 1 / 4 or a mile and a half).
“Clearly we’ve had two course data at this time, so the bottom is fast and Rossa felt she is perhaps somewhat bit higher on softer floor, however we had been comprehensively overwhelmed, so we’ll return in opposition to our personal intercourse and attempt to win one other (Group One) earlier than the yr is out.
“All yr she hasn’t allow us to down. I do know you’re at all times disillusioned to complete fourth, however that was an enormous run.”
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