World's Top Flat Horse Calandagan to Race in Dubai Despite Gulf Conflict
Calandagan, the world's top-rated Flat horse in 2025, has been given the green light to run in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan next weekend, despite the continuing conflict in the Gulf region. The gelding will fly from Paris to Dubai on Saturday, marking a significant decision by his owner, Aga Khan Studs.
Owner's Decision Amid Regional Tensions
The Aga Khan Studs consulted with staff already stationed in Dubai before approving the trip for Francis-Henri Graffard's five-year-old. Calandagan, winner of four Group One events last season including the Japan Cup in November, is in excellent form, according to racing manager Nemone Routh.
"We've assessed the whole situation," Routh said on Friday. "We've been keeping in close contact with our staff in Dubai. If we didn't run in Dubai, we'd have been looking at races in the summer. He's in great form, so we've taken the decision to send him and run him next weekend."
Reduced European Team on World Cup Night
Calandagan will lead a diminished European contingent on the $30 million World Cup night card. Potential rivals in the Sheema Classic include Willie Mullins's Ethical Diamond, the 2025 Breeders' Cup Turf winner, and Charlie Appleby's Rebel's Romance, who secured the Turf in 2022 and 2024.
Dan Skelton Aims for Prize Money Milestone
In other racing news, trainer Dan Skelton is poised to become the first to break the £4 million barrier in prize money for a National Hunt season in Britain. With 16 runners scheduled at meetings in Newbury, Kelso, and Bangor-on-Dee this Saturday, Skelton needs approximately £65,000 to reach this historic milestone.
Key hopes include Diamond Street in the Goffs Hundred Grand Bumper at Newbury, who impressed with a 10-length victory on his debut at Doncaster. Skelton's second-string, The Mad Poet, also presents a strong chance in the same event.
Saturday Racing Tips Overview
Greg Wood's tips for Saturday feature several standout selections:
- Kelso 1.00: World Of Fortunes looks ideal for trip and ground.
- Newbury 1.15: Kocktail Bleu is favoured after a drop in grade.
- Kelso 1.30: Judicial Deference is preferred over Brookside La.
- Newbury 1.50: Thewoodcorner benefits from a four-year-old allowance.
- Kelso 2.10: Our Peggy offers each-way appeal against favourite Khrisma.
- Newbury 2.25: Heltenham aims for a third win in this race.
- Kelso 2.40: Diamond Dealer could dominate if he settles upfront.
- Newbury 3.00: Getawhisky is a popular pick after a strong qualifier run.
- Bangor 3.20: In The Age should thrive on decent ground.
For Sunday, tips include Chasingouttheblues as the nap at Carlisle and Fortunefavorsdbold as the nap at Exeter, highlighting a busy weekend of racing action across the UK.
