Expert prediction
Dubai Sheema Classic Picks, Odds & Preview (Mar 28)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
High-quality horse racing on the turf is set for Meydan this weekend, as the lucrative G1 Dubai Sheema Classic sees the return of the world’s best racehorse, Calandagan. Find the odds and our picks for the 2026 race here.
Dubai Sheema Classic: How to Watch
- When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 @ 12:10 PM ET
- Where: Meydan, Dubai, UAE
- How to Watch: FanDuel TV
Dubai Sheema Classic Odds
| Horse | Odds |
|---|---|
| Calandagan | -300 |
| Ethical Diamond | +350 |
| Giavellotto | +900 |
| By The Book | +3300 |
| Royal Power | +3300 |
| West Wind Blows | +6600 |
Race Information & Records
| Stat | Information |
|---|---|
| Race Distance | 1 1/2 Miles |
| Purse | $6,000,000 |
| Most Successful Trainer | John Gosden, Charlie Appleby (3) |
| Most Successful Jockey | William Buick (5) |
ALSO SEE: Cook Out 400 Picks, Odds & Preview (Mar 29)
Dubai Sheema Classic: Recent Winners
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Danon Decile | Keita Tosaki | Shogo Yasuda |
| 2024 | Rebel’s Romance | William Buick | Charlie Appleby |
| 2023 | Equinox | Christophe Lemaire | Tetsuya Kimura |
| 2022 | Shahryar | Cristian Demuro | Hideaki Fujiwara |
Race Preview
A stacked night of racing is set for the Middle East on Saturday, which includes action on the Road to the Kentucky Derby 2026, with the UAE Derby offering 100 qualifying points. However, some of the best turf horses in the world will also be in action, with the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic being run over 1 ½ miles.
There will be a red-hot favorite for the race this weekend, as French superstar Calandagan makes his return. The Francis Graffard-trained horse is the top-rated thoroughbred on the planet, and dominated the division last season, winning three straight Grade Ones. However, he was beaten in the Sheema Classic by Danon Decile 12 months ago.
Jumps trainer Willie Mullins caused a major upset at the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar in November, as Ethical Diamond produced a stunning turn of foot to deny Rebel’s Romance in the Turf. The six-year-old is a four-time winner on the flat and has proven stamina.
Marco Botti saddles Giavellotto, who has won five from 21 starts on the turf. The seven-year-old could be regressing slightly after finishing third in the G2 Amir Trophy last time out.
Charlie Appleby has two runners in the race, with Royal Power and By The Book both entered. The former could be most interesting after winning over course and distance, but he has plenty to find on Calandagan based on official ratings.
Dubai Sheema Classic Picks
A small field will contest the Sheema Classic this year. It should be a routine task for Calandagan, who has trained well since travelling to the Middle East, and official ratings give him a 9lb swing on his closest challenger this weekend.
Free Pick:
Horse Racing
More Predictions
Woodbine Picks Today: Best Bets for Saturday, Nov 7
Best bet: Lupa, Race 7 (+100 ML) Value pick: Ultimate Authority, Race 10 (+800 ML) Claim Your $25 Risk-Free Horse Racing Bet at BetOnline Every race day at Woodbine, we handicap the full card and give you a pick in every race, plus a best bet and a value selection the morning line might have […]
Belmont Park Picks Today: Best Bets for Saturday, Nov 7
Best bet: Ted Noffey, Race 8 (+160) Value pick: Iron Orchard, Race 9 (+1200) Claim Your $25 Risk-Free Horse Racing Bet at BetOnline A busy afternoon of horse racing action at Belmont Park is set for Saturday, November 7, with four stakes races on the ten-race program. We have handicapped all races at Belmont Park […]
Del Mar Picks Today: Best Bets for Friday, Nov 6
Best bet: Jodi Bear, Race 6 (+300 ML) Value pick: Private Gem, Race 2 (+300 ML) Claim Your $25 Risk-Free Horse Racing Bet at BetOnline Whether it’s the summer meet or the fall meet, Del Mar always brings big fields and plenty of turf racing, and that means value for anyone willing to do the […]
Churchill Downs Picks Today: Best Bets for Saturday, Nov 7
Best bet: Lambeth, Race 8 (+180 ML) Value pick: Poster, Race 6 (+300 ML) Claim Your $25 Risk-Free Horse Racing Bet at BetOnline Every race day at Churchill Downs, we handicap the full card and give you a pick in every race, along with our best bets and the horses we think the morning line […]
Horse Racing Predictions Today: Best Bets for Churchill Downs, Charles Town, Parx and Horseshoe Indianapolis (Nov 4)
Best pick: Stanka (Horseshoe Indianapolis, Race 2) +160 Best value pick: Massachusetts (Churchill Downs, Race 7) +1000 Claim Your $25 Risk-Free Horse Racing Bet at BetOnline The dust may have settled on the 2026 Breeders’ Cup, but the horse racing action keeps coming thick and fast. Wednesday brings a 10-race card at Churchill Downs, while […]