© Photo Healy Racing
BoyleSports has reported that French-raider Calandagan is the best backed horse ahead of the Champion Stakes after declarations were revealed on Thursday.
The Francis Henri Graffard-trained colt was last seen finishing second to Derby winner, City Of Troy, in York’s Juddmonte International and has seen his odds cut into 13/8 (from 2/1) ahead of Saturday’s feature. A dual Group 3 winner on heavy ground in France, punters are confident any forecast rain won’t blunt the chances of the Royal Ascot winner.
Economics, who won a thrilling renewal of the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown last month, remains the 11/8 favourite for his Ascot assignment as he bids to follow in the hoofsteps of New Approach, Almanzor and Magical and complete the Champion Stakes double.
Ballydoyle will be hoping for stamina sapping conditions with Irish Derby winner and Arc third Los Angeles (13/2) one of two darts for Aidan O’Brien along with outsider Continuous (50/1), while recent Prix Foy winner Iresine (14/1) is another strong contender from France.
