Expert Horse Racing Tips & Analysis - Boost Your Betting Success Today

1. CALIF (6yo, OR 117)

• Current Form & Class Relevance: Mixed G1/G2 campaigns across multiple jurisdictions. Latest run (22Feb25 at King Abdulaziz over 10.5f) was a brave second, only 1¾ lengths behind Shin Emperor in G2 company. Performance shows the horse is still highly competitive at international level, though stepping back to 12f might stretch his stamina slightly.
   
• Race Setup & Pace Dynamics: Tends to settle midfield or slightly forward; jockey and trainer combination (De Vries/Nass) has placed well in top-tier races.
   
• Strength of Past Races: Placed behind Spirit Dancer and Shin Emperor in good-level events; also won a G1 in Germany last summer. That suggests he’s capable on his day but perhaps fractionally below the elite standard of some younger improvers.
   
• Gear Adjustments, Fitness, & Suitability: The visor (‘v’) has been on for several runs, indicating it keeps him focused. Has form on good ground and stays 10 to 11 furlongs strongly. He must prove he sees out a truly run 12f at G1 level.
   

2. DUREZZA (5yo, OR 123)

• Current Form & Class Relevance: Multiple G1 performer in Japan, finishing second in the 12f Japan Cup last November behind Do Deuce. That form is traditionally world-class.
   
• Race Setup & Pace Dynamics: Has raced in strongly run events (e.g., big-field Japanese G1s). Settles midfield or worse, then uses a powerful closing kick.
   
• Pedigree & Hidden Scope: Sired by Duramente, noted for producing top-level middle-distance progeny. The dam was a staying More Than Ready mare, so 2400m suits.
   
• Trainer & Jockey Influence: Christophe Soumillon in the saddle is a positive. Soumillon has proven success at Meydan in major races.
   
• Strength of Past Races: Defeats behind Do Deuce and City Of Troy tie him to top-tier form lines. His second in the G2 (10Mar24) also highlights consistent class.
   
• Track & Condition Suitability: Good ground suits Japanese turf horses typically. He’s proven on firm in Tokyo. Should be fine on a good Meydan surface.
   

3. GIAVELLOTTO (6yo, OR 121)

• Current Form & Class Relevance: Won a G1 in Hong Kong over 12f in December (Sha Tin Vase). Prior G1 placings over 14f and 12f in Ireland and the UK show versatility, though he is likely best at a genuine staying trip.
   
• Race Setup & Pace Dynamics: Can settle mid-to-rear; needs a fair tempo to unleash finishing run.
   
• Strength of Past Races: Beat Dubai Honour in Hong Kong last time, which rates well. Also ran a close third to top stayer Kyprios in Ireland. The overall formlines are robust.
   
• Fitness & Stage of Preparation: Typically thrives on racing. Last run was in early December, so he’s had a decent break. If fully tuned, he’ll be competitive.
   

4. REBEL’S ROMANCE (7yo, OR 123)

• Current Form & Class Relevance: Reigning titleholder of this very race (won the 2024 Dubai Sheema Classic). Multiple G1 winner across the globe, including the Breeders’ Cup Turf in late 2024 and various top-level events in Europe and Hong Kong.
   
• Race Setup & Pace Dynamics: Can sit just off the speed or midfield. Usually responds well to strong pace scenarios.
   
• Strength of Past Races: His G1 successes speak for themselves, with repeated victories in top company. Most recent win came in a G3 tune-up at Al Ain, scoring well over 11½f.
   
• Trainer & Jockey Influence: Charlie Appleby and William Buick have an outstanding big-race strike rate worldwide. This pair is historically formidable in Middle Eastern G1s.
   
• Track & Condition Suitability: Loves fast or good ground. Well proven at 12f around Meydan.
   

5. CALANDAGAN (4yo, OR 125)

• Current Form & Class Relevance: Progressed through Group company in France and the UK at three, culminating in strong placings behind Anmaat and City Of Troy in major G1 events at 10-10½f. Then stepped to 12f and won a 3yG2 at Royal Ascot by six lengths.
   
• Pedigree & Hidden Scope: By Gleneagles out of a Sinndar mare, he shapes like 12f is well within range. Lightly raced with scope to improve further at four.
   
• Strength of Past Races: Form behind top older horses in Europe is among the best on offer. Showed tactical speed over 10f yet still won impressively at 12f.
   
• Trainer & Jockey Influence: F-H Graffard teaming up with Mickael Barzalona is a strong French-based combination. The Aga Khan’s breeding lines also indicate staying potential.
   

6. DANON DECILE (4yo, OR 120)

• Current Form & Class Relevance: A G1 winner of the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) last May, plus more recent success in a G2 at Nakayama over 11f (January 2025). Displayed consistent top-level form as a 3yo in Japan.
   
• Pedigree & Hidden Scope: By Epiphaneia, who tends to produce quality stayers/middle-distance performers. Dam is by Congrats, adding further stamina influences.
   
• Race Setup & Pace Dynamics: Often settles forward or in the first half of the field. Likely to appreciate a pace that’s not too hot.
   
• Strength of Past Races: Closing third in the G1 Arima Kinen (12½f) indicates he can match older G1 company.
   
• Trainer & Jockey Influence: Young trainer Shogo Yasuda, with jockey Keita Tosaki, is well regarded in the Japanese circuit.
   

7. DEIRA MILE (4yo, OR 114)

• Current Form & Class Relevance: Lightly raced with some promising 3yo form in the UK, including a fourth in the Epsom Derby (behind City Of Troy) and a second in Listed grade. Recently sixth in a valuable 15f handicap in Saudi Arabia.
   
• Race Setup & Pace Dynamics: May race handy or midfield; still somewhat unexposed at the highest level.
   
• Pedigree & Hidden Scope: By Camelot out of a Fastnet Rock mare, so the mile-and-a-half trip could suit. However, he has yet to show top-class finishing thrust in G1 company.
   
• Strength of Past Races: Fourth in the Derby and fourth in the Futurity Trophy as a 2yo both show glimpses of class. But he’s so far been a rung below the elite brigade, especially in G1 stayers’ events.
   
• Gear, Fitness & Suitability: Blinkers used previously. No mention here, so presumably removed. He’s well exposed to big fields but might lack a final gear.
   

8. SHIN EMPEROR (4yo, OR 123)

• Current Form & Class Relevance: Fresh G2 winner in Saudi (22Feb25) over 10.5f, beating Calif by 1¾ lengths. Runner-up to Do Deuce in the Japan Cup at 12f last November, which is top-tier form.
   
• Race Setup & Pace Dynamics: Likely positioned midfield. Can produce a strong turn of foot.
   
• Strength of Past Races: Defeated top older horses in Japan. Placed in the Arc Trials (3rd in a G1 at Leopardstown behind Economics) and had a crack at the Arc itself, though well-beaten on very soft ground.
   
• Track & Condition Suitability: Good ground and 12f appear optimal, especially given prior top runs on firm in Tokyo.
   

9. CERVINIA (4yo filly, OR 115)

• Current Form & Class Relevance: Smart Japanese filly; dual G1 winner against her own sex over 10-12f. Fourth in the Japan Cup behind Do Deuce in November, beaten 2¾ lengths. Flopped on seasonal return (16Feb25, G2 at Kyoto) when only ninth.
   
• Pedigree & Hidden Scope: By Harbinger (King George winner over 12f) out of a King Kamehameha mare, so stamina for 12f is assured. Potentially more improvement if bouncing back to best.
   
• Fitness & Stage of Preparation: Possibly needed the run last time out. If that’s sharpened her, could sneak into a minor placing.
   
• Strength of Past Races: Top fillies’ form in Japan is usually strong, but she must step up further to threaten the best open-company horses here.
   

An outstanding renewal of the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic brings together a strong international cast of nine runners over the classic 12f trip. Several form lines converge from across Asia and Europe, guaranteeing a truly global showcase. Calandagan (5) boasts a lofty official rating of 125, having mixed it with elite company last season, including narrow defeats in top-level races at Ascot and York. That form behind Anmaat and City Of Troy is top drawer, and his resounding victory at Royal Ascot over 12 furlongs suggests he has a perfect blend of speed and stamina. Although only a four-year-old, he already has proven G1 form against older rivals, making him a prime candidate.

Rebel’s Romance (4) is the defending champion, having taken this race in 2024 and reaffirming his class with multiple Group 1 victories. The Charlie Appleby and William Buick combination has excelled globally, and with a recent comfortable G3 success under his belt, he arrives in top order. The Japanese team is especially formidable: Shin Emperor (8) posted a stirring performance to win a G2 in Saudi Arabia over 10.5f, toppling Calif (1) in the process, and was second in last year’s Japan Cup at this very distance. Another big Japanese chance is Durezza (2), who also split top names in that same Japan Cup. Both have finishing speed that will be lethal if Meydan’s long straight sets up for closers.

Giavellotto (3) brings proven middle-distance and staying form from Britain, Ireland, and Hong Kong, capturing a 12f G1 at Sha Tin in December. He has beaten some serious yardsticks in the process. Danon Decile (6) is an emerging four-year-old star from Japan with a Tokyo Yushun (Derby) trophy to his name and a fresh G2 score, while Calif (1) maintains honest form at G2/G3 level but might find a couple of these too strong at the back end. Deira Mile (7) and Cervinia (9) are no slouches either: Deira Mile showed glimpses of brilliance in last season’s Derby, while Cervinia is a dual G1 winner among the Japanese fillies. Yet both must produce new career peaks to topple the proven heavyweights here. Overall, a fascinating clash of reigning champions, rising stars, and internationally proven performers. Expect a genuine pace with several forward-going types ensuring a fair test at 12 furlongs on good ground.

1. Calandagan (5)
    
   • Outstanding 3yo campaign, top-rated, proven at 12f with class to handle older horses.
      

1. Rebel’s Romance (4)
    
   • Defending titleholder, multiple G1 hero, lethal with a good pace setup, strong stable & jockey.
      

1. Shin Emperor (8)
    
   • High-class Japanese colt; G2 Saudi winner, close second in the Japan Cup, more to offer at 12f.
      

1. Durezza (2)
    
   • Another Japanese standout, runner-up in the Japan Cup, quick closing sectional is dangerous.
      

1. Giavellotto (3)
    
   • UK-based stayer with a Hong Kong G1 triumph, proven at 12-14f, must not be overlooked.
      

1. Danon Decile (6)
    
   • Japanese Derby winner, recently took a G2; still improving, but this is a tough global test.
      

(Final Adjusted Assessed Odds to ensure the market sums to 100%.)

Below, horses are listed from shortest to longest price after final adjustment:

1. (5) Calandagan – AODDS 4.15
    
2. (4) Rebel’s Romance – AODDS 5.93
    
3. (2) Durezza – AODDS 7.12
    
4. (8) Shin Emperor – AODDS 7.12
    
5. (3) Giavellotto – AODDS 9.49
    
6. (6) Danon Decile – AODDS 11.87
    
7. (1) Calif – AODDS 18.99
    
8. (9) Cervinia – AODDS 23.74
    
9. (7) Deira Mile – AODDS 39.17