Calandagan on course for Economics clash in Champion Stakes with connections relishing star's return to Ascot

Calandagan is reported to have strengthened again since his battle against City Of Troy at York and is being tuned up for next month's Qipco Champion Stakes showdown with Economics.

At a general 5-2 second favourite for the £1.3 million climax to British Champions Day, Calandagan is the only real challenger to Economics at the head of the market, having pushed City Of Troy hard at York in a race which connections feel did not set up as well tactically for them as for the winner.

Those closest to the Aga Khan's son of Gleneagles believe he will prove adaptable to whatever ground he encounters at Ascot – a track he has already shown a real affinity for when winning at the royal meeting.