Calandagan stepped up preparations for the Dubai Sheema Classic with a racecourse gallop at Saint-Cloud, but a final decision on his participation remains pending due to ongoing conflict in the region. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard's four-year-old is being readied as if he will run, with connections planning to make a late call before his scheduled departure.

The colt enjoyed a remarkable 2025 campaign, earning recognition as the world's best racehorse after major victories at Ascot and in the Japan Cup. A return to Dubai to avenge last year's defeat is viewed as an ideal starting point for his new season.

However, safety concerns have created uncertainty. Although meetings in Dubai have continued as scheduled and staff on the ground report no immediate alarm, the situation remains fluid. Calandagan's team is monitoring developments closely and will decide at the end of the week whether to proceed with travel plans.