The Dubai World Cup (G1) meeting has received a major boost with the news that Calandagan has been given the green light to travel for the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1T), despite the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region.
The Aga Khan Studs and trainer Francis-Henri Graffard had left a final decision on Calandagan's participation as late as possible while preparing the reigning Longines World's Best Racehorse for his seasonal debut, including a racecourse gallop at Saint-Cloud March 15.
With the transport plane for Europe's challengers due to leave Paris March 21, Princess Zahra Aga Khan and other senior leaders decided March 20 that they are happy to ship the son of Gleneagles ahead of the March 28 meeting.
"We're very happy with Calandagan," racing manager Nemone Routh said. "He's in great form and this race has always been his intended seasonal debut."
Rayevka will also contest the Al Quoz Sprint (G1T) on the World Cup card, having remained in Dubai since running on Super Saturday, the same day that hostilities broke out.
The United Arab Emirates has been the subject of continued drone and missile attacks since Feb. 28—when Iran commenced retaliatory strikes following the United States and Israel's initial attack on the country—leaving many racing professionals temporarily stranded in the days that followed.
UAE defense batteries have intercepted more than 2,000 incoming weapons, with Dubai sustaining only limited damage due to falling debris, while air traffic has gradually increased to the point that all those foreign citizens who wished to leave have been able to return home.
But the conflict appeared to enter a new phase March 18 as both sides began to target natural gas and oil fields, leading several airlines to cut services to their major hubs in the region. Emirates has continued to operate a reduced service to and from Dubai International Airport.
On March 19 Docklands and Skukuza were both withdrawn from their intended engagements at Meydan Racecourse across the March 28 World Cup card.
Beckett: 'Pride Of Arras not quite where I need him to be'
Eight horses appeared in the likely field for the Sheema Classic published Wednesday but among those, Pride of Arras will not be on the plane to Dubai.
Trainer Ralph Beckett said of last season's Dante (G2) and Great Voltigeur (G2) stakes winner: "I just wasn't entirely happy with him the last couple of days so he's not going. He's not quite where I need him to be."
While Pride of Arras will miss out, Godolphin's Rebel's Romance and Royal Power are already in Dubai along with the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained West Wind Blows, while Giavellotto and Survie were declared likely travelers from Newmarket by their trainers Thursday.
