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'I think he's one of the best' - Arc winner Francis Graffard confident Calandagan can shine in stunning Champion Stakes showdown

The top trainer is plotting another big raid on British Champions Day at Ascot

Mickael Barzalona and Calandagan win the King George
Mickael Barzalona and Calandagan win the King George at Ascot Credit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Francis Graffard is relishing the opportunity to crash the reunion party between Ombudsman and Delacroix in Saturday's absorbing Qipco Champion Stakes and hopes Calandagan can prove he is "one of the best horses in Europe".

With the score one apiece between Godolphin's Ombudsman and Coolmore's Delacroix, much of the narrative in the build-up to the race will be on the decider in their rivalry, but Calandagan is on a Group 1 hat-trick himself after decisive victories in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in July.

The four-year-old will be bidding to join the great Brigadier Gerard as only the second horse to win the Champion and the King George in the same season.

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France correspondent

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