Calandagan limbering up for Sheema Classic challenge

Francis-Henri Graffard is confident he can launch his season on a high note with Calandagan in the Sheema Classic at Meydan next weekend.

The five-year-old, who was the world’s top-rated horse on the Flat in 2025, has reeled off four consecutive Group Ones culminating in the Japan Cup in November since narrowly going down to Jan Brueghel in the Coronation Cup at Epsom.

Preparations were disrupted by the unrest in the Middle East but Graffard is relieved he can now concentrate on planning for Dubai with the son of Gleneagles, who has earned in excess of £6million during his career.

Calandagan was second last year behind Japanese raider Danon Decile and Graffard has his sights firmly set on going one better.

Graffard told Luck On Sunday: “I’m glad we can start the season over there now.

“The horse has really transformed, he’s matured. The horse has definitely improved physically and another difference from last year was it was the first time that Mickael Barzalona was sitting on him for a race.

“Now he knows the horse very, very well so that is a big difference and the horse is really enjoying his job now that he knows what he has to do. His preparation has been going well. Mickael knowing the horse is a big help now.

“What really helped us for the rest of the season last year was to stay in France and run in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. I think since that race the horse really blossomed and looks very, very strong. Looking at his weight now and the way he looks, he is a horse that is mentally and physically mature.

“I’m looking forward for the season, he’s a star and he’s never let us down. Always first or second so hopefully he will run well on Saturday.

“The King George is the summer target for him. And it all depends if we were to go back to the Japan Cup with (owner) Princess Zahra and if that is the case I think we would stick to the same programme as last year.

“It will also depend on what route I take with Daryz, and if I can drop him back in distance to a mile and a quarter so the Prince of Wales and the Eclipse can be an option for both of them.

“It was important for me to start my season in Dubai. The horse was ready and a spring programme would have been tricky for me.”