"We were very pleased" - Targets set for Calandagan and Ghostwriter

Connections of Calandagan and Ghostwriter have confirmed targets for their stable stars, following impressive performances at the Ebor Festival.

City Of Troy was the star of the show at York last week, as Aidan O'Brien's star smashed the course record in the Juddmonte International Stakes. Ryan Moore made all of the running on the short-priced favourite and City Of Troy kicked clear of Calandagan and Ghostwriter in the final couple of furlongs.

French star Calandagan looked a little outpaced throughout that ten-furlong contest. Stephane Pasquier was scrubbing his mount along going into the turn and Calandagan responded well, powering down the outside of the pack to finish closest to the outstanding winner.

With a tilt at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe off the table, Francis Henri-Graffard spoke to the press on Tuesday and claimed that his gelding has his eyes fixed on Champions Day.

"We dropped back in distance so it was hard to get closer to the pace." Graffard said, "He finished really strongly and he was beaten by a true champion so we were very pleased with his run."

"He came out of the race really well, I am very pleased to see how he took that race - even better than the race at Ascot."

"We haven't made a decision yet, but at the moment we are leaning towards the Champion Stakes at Ascot for his next run."

"He has opportunities abroad, but it depends if we decide to wait for next year or if we keep going this season. That will be decided with the owner."

Rounding off a podium full of three-year-olds was Clive Cox's Ghostwriter, who plugged on gamely to place third. Last year's Royal Lodge Stakes winner is yet to get his head in front this term, registering top four finishes in four prestigious Group Ones.

Cox also expressed to the press how pleased he was with Ghostwriter's effort at York and confirmed that the Irish Champion Stakes could be on the agenda.

"We were very pleased with the performance and it was nice to see him have the chance to run on his preferred ground," said Cox.

"It was an amazing race and I was very pleased with his performance. He's run a super race and I think he confirmed 10 furlongs is his trip at the moment.

"I'm pleased with the way he has come out of the race and we will give him another week to see where we are and speak with Jeff and plan our way forwards from here according on ground really.

"He's in the Irish Champion Stakes and that is a race under consideration and we just have to see how he is in the time being, along with the weather."

William Haggas' Economics tops the ante-post betting with bet365 for both the Irish Champion Stakes and the Champion Stakes at Ascot. Calandagan is the 7/2 second-favourite to win on Champions Day, with Ghostwriter available at 25/1 to land the Irish equivalent at Leopardstown.