Champagne success for Chaldean

Frankel two-year-old Chaldean made all in Doncaster's Gr.2 Champagne Stakes to take his second Group race of the season on Sunday.

Taken from the Thoroughbred Daily News, 12th September 2022:

Doncaster's rescheduled Gr.2 Coral Champagne Stakes initiated a barrage of non-stop European stakes action with Juddmonte's 550,000gns Tattersalls December foal purchase, Chaldean prevailing in a three-runner affair to add to his victory over the reopposing Indestructible in last month's Gr.3 Acomb Stakes at York.

The May-foaled chestnut had earlier backed up a debut fifth at Newbury in June with his maiden win in July back there, accounting for Silver Knott and others, before rallying when headed by Indestructible to prevail on the Knavesmire last time.

In front and dominating from flag fall here, the 2-1 second choice was asked to stretch with three furlongs remaining and was clear throughout the final quarter-mile to easily account for the former by three and a half lengths. Silver Knott, let go as the 8-13 pick, was unable to land a telling blow and finished one and three-quarter lengths back in third.

"I know I was able to set my own fractions, but when I asked him to go he did go," explained Frankie Dettori. "He gave me a real good feel, he hit the line strong and he's not just one-paced, he's got gears. I've suggested he goes to the [Gr.1] Dewhurst because of the way he won today. He's entitled to be there."

Winning trainer Andrew Balding added: "He's also in the [Gr.1 Prix Jean-Luc] Lagardere and there's the [Gr.1] Vertem Futurity back here, so we'll have a discussion with the owners and their representatives and come up with a plan. He'll certainly stay a mile, but he's not slow and that's what you want in a class horse. He's a high-class horse in the making."