Calandagan goes in search of back-to-back Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud victories in today’s feature race from France.
3.40 Saint-Cloud – Calandagan back to defend Saint-Cloud crown
Calandagan will face a trio of British and Irish raiders as he bids to go back-to-back in this Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.
Francis-Henri Graffard’s Japan Cup-winning superstar suffered a rare defeat when failing to handle deep ground in the Coronation Cup at Epsom and he will be a warm order to bounce back under Mickael Barzalona. A five-time top-level champion, he has conditions in his favour and could take all the beating.
Aidan O’Brien has recorded a staggering 11 Group 1 victories this year and he saddles Lambourn, the ride of Ryan Moore. Last year’s Derby hero ran out a gutsy winner at Chester on his return before finishing ahead of Calandagan at Epsom. He was last seen failing to land a blow at Royal Ascot and has a bit to find on the ratings.
Grand Prix de Paris victor Leffard would have place claims, while Aventure may be the biggest danger. She is a Group 1 winner, chased home the favourite in this race last season and warmed up for this with a cosy success over Sunly at ParisLongchamp in May.
Last year’s Dante winner Pride Off Arras is another each-way player for Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan.
4.15 Southwell – Kylian, Naana’s Sparkle and Tropical Storm headline
A tricky puzzle to solve with Kylian and Tropical Storm among nine runners for this Download The At The Races App Handicap at Southwell.
Tropical Storm, twice a Listed winner, has lost his way in better handicaps of late and his connections have given him a wind operation as he bids to improve.
Kylian rates an interesting contender for Robert Cowell. He is yet to win for this trainer but has slipped to a workable mark and hinted that he might be able to strike soon when eighth at Newcastle.
Naana’s Sparkle would have chances on his penultimate success at Yarmouth and wasn’t disgraced at Doncaster next time. Buzz Box ran a promising fourth at Newcastle on reappearance back in January and returns after another lay off today. This is his second start for Michael Herrington and he should be watched in the market.
4.55 Southwell – Red-hot Sixpack seeks a hat-trick
The in-form Sixpack seeks the hat-trick in this closing Follow @attheraces On X Handicap at 5.55pm.
The James Owen-trained six-year-old has thrived this season winning on three occasions including the last twice. Up another 7lb, he ought to be a tough to beat and remains unexposed at this distance.
Sax Appeal is a course and distance winner and ran a cracker to finish third in the Northumberland Vase at Newcastle last weekend, while Alrazeen and New York Minute are worth consideration.
