Dubai Sheema Classic Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Mar 28)

The world’s best racehorse will be back in action on Saturday, as Calandagan makes his seasonal reappearance in the lucrative G1 Dubai Sheema Classic. Find the odds and our picks for the race at Meydan here.

Odds

Dubai Sheema Classic Recent Winners

Dubai Sheema Classic: Event Information

ALSO SEE: Cook Out 400 Picks, Odds & Preview (Mar 29)

Race Preview

Meydan hosts its most prestigious night of racing of the season this weekend, with the big race on the turf coming in the form of the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic. A distance of 2,410 metres will be covered (1 ½ miles), with the field competing for their share of the $6 million purse.

All eyes will be on the world’s best racehorse at Meydan, as French raider Calandagan makes his seasonal return to action. The Francis Graffard runner is clear on official ratings, and he stamped his authority on the division at the end of last season, landing Grade One wins in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, British Champions Stakes, and the Japan Cup. Very hard to oppose.

Willie Mullins has long been the dominant force in jumps racing, but the Irish maestro caused a major upset at Santa Anita last November, as he saddled Ethical Diamond to win the Breeders’ Cup Turf. An electrifying turf on foot saw him beat Rebel’s Romance by just under two lengths, but a smaller field this weekend is unlikely to play to his strengths.

Marco Botti-trained Giavellotto has been globe-trotting throughout the winter, finishing third in the Group Two Amir Trophy and second in the G1 Hong Kong Vase. But, he lacks the class in competitive Group One company, and potentially thrives over slightly further.

Godolphin runners are always hard to dismiss in Dubai, meaning Royal Power and By The Book should be respected. The former looks like the pick of the two Charlie Appleby runners, having won on his last two efforts over a mile and four, including when beating the talented El Cordobes by a head over course and distance in February.

Dubai Sheema Classic Pick

Calandagan is incredibly hard to oppose this weekend. The French raider is clear on official ratings, and the smaller field will ensure that there is less risk of a potential shock result on Saturday.

Other Dubai World Cup Night Picks