16:10 Meydan
Saturday 28 March 2026
All11:4512:2012:5513:3014:2014:5515:3516:1016:45
Race 8 - Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1) - Turf
- 3YO plus  |  1m 4f  |  Good  |  6 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 16:11Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 2m 27.88s
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Proved himself the best middle-distance horse around when completing a 4-timer in Group 1s last year, namely the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Champion Stakes (by 2¼ lengths from Ombudsman) at Ascot, and Japan Cup at Tokyo. The one to beat.
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Improved in leaps and bounds during unbeaten Flat campaign in 2025, rounding the season off by beating Rebel's Romance 1¼ lengths in Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar. Unlikely to get such a strong gallop to aim at in this smaller field but goes well fresh and should give a good account.
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Won Group 1 Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin in 2024 and went close to retaining his crown back there in December, proving himself as good as ever. Wasn't seen to best effect when third in Group 2 at Doha 42 days ago, forced wide and nearest finish, and should give his running.
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Presumably isn't the easiest to train given infrequent appearances, but overcame a wide trip to beat subsequent Group 1 winner El Cordobes sole start in 2025 and showed his wellbeing when taking listed race at Abu Dhabi 49 days ago. Hood he wore last time is now discarded.
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Is another from this yard with only a handful of runs to his name across several seasons. Came up short against a pair of exposed rivals when third in Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy at this course 36 days ago and it's hard to see where the required improvement will come from back down in trip.
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Hasn't returned from a 2-year absence the force of old this winter, winning a listed event at Deauville but put in his place by Royal Power in a similar event at Abu Dhabi 49 days ago. Easy to look elsewhere.
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Forecasts
Calandagan (1/4), Ethical Diamond (11/2), Giavellotto (16/1), Royal Power (20/1), West Wind Blows (33/1), By The Book (66/1)
CALANDAGAN stands out on form and is remarkably consistent to boot, so can't really be opposed as he bids to extend his winning run at the top level, especially as his turn of foot means he shouldn't be overly inconvenienced if this becomes tactical. Giavellotto and Ethical Diamond are taken to chase him home.
- Calandagan1/4
- Giavellotto16/1
- Ethical Diamond11/2
Prize Money
1st: $3,432,600.002nd: $1,298,400.003rd: $645,000.004th: $295,200.005th: $148,800.006th: $88,800.00
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