Calandagan

The overall numbers are just as striking. From just 7 races in total, Calandagan has won 3 and finished in the places in every single one — a record of 3 wins and 7 places from 7 races means this horse has never truly disappointed. Win 3 from 7 works out at 43%, which means it has won nearly 1 in every 2 races it has entered. To put that in context, a good racehorse might win 1 in 5. Winning nearly 1 in 2 at the top level is the kind of number that makes people pay attention.

The recent form underlines just how consistent this horse has been. Its last six races read 1-1-2-2-2-2 — two wins followed by four runner-up finishes. Not once outside the top two. On normal ground conditions, which suit it best, Calandagan has won 2 from 3 races, a 67% win rate that is almost absurdly good. Its trainer, F-H Graffard, is based in France and has sent out 6 winners in Britain this season — this is not a yard that travels lightly or without purpose.

The one thing to note is that Calandagan has not raced for roughly 5 months, last seen winning at Ascot in October 2025. A break of that length always raises the question of whether a horse returns to its best straight away. But given that this is a horse who has placed in all 7 of its career races and won at the very highest level three times, it has earned the benefit of the doubt. When Calandagan turns up at Ascot, history says you take notice.