Jan Brueghel and Calandagan set for Coronation rematch at Epsom

Jan Brueghel and Ryan Moore won the Ormonde Stakes at Chester last month. Pic: Healy Racing

Last year’s one-two Jan Brueghel and Calandagan are among eight confirmations for the Coolmore Coronation Cup at Epsom on Saturday.

Aidan O’Brien’s Jan Brueghel inflicted a half-length defeat on Francis-Henri Graffard’s French raider 12 months ago and the pair are on course for a fascinating rematch on Derby day.

Calandagan is unbeaten in five Group One starts since that reverse, a run which includes victories in the King George and the Champion Stakes at Ascot, the Japan Cup and the Dubai Sheema Classic, cementing his status as the world’s highest rated turf horse.

Jan Brueghel was a disappointing fourth in the King George last summer, but did warm up for the defence of is Epsom title with a comeback success in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester last month.

O’Brien could also saddle last year’s dual Derby hero Lambourn, who was another who made a winning reappearance at Chester in the Huxley Stakes, as well as the Ormonde Stakes third Illinois.

Convergent is an interesting contender for Karl Burke, George Scott’s Bay City Roller is not out of the equation after finishing a neck second to Lambourn at Chester and then chasing home Almaqam in the Tattersalls Gold Cup in Ireland and Andrew Balding has entered the only mare in the field, See The Fire.

The David Menuisier-trained Sunway completes the potential line-up.