Giavellotto is primed for a blockbuster clash with Calandagan when he bids to topple the world’s best racehorse in this weekend’s Group 1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan.

The Marco Botti-trained seven-year-old will make his fourth Dubai World Cup night appearance on Saturday, but he remains without a success having failed to make a serious impact in two Dubai Gold Cup’s before a drop in trip saw him finish fifth in this race twelve months ago.

Winner of the 2024 Hong Kong vase, the son of Mastercraftsman, who will break from gate three under James Doyle, has shown some high-class form in defeat in recent starts, finishing fourth in last season’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe before putting up a bold defence of his Hong Kong crown behind Sosie.

Marco Botti’s charge warmed up for his Meydan assignment with a rock-solid third in the Group 2 H.H The Amir Trophy in Doha, leaving connections confident that he can perform to the best of his ability.

Andrew Morris, head lad for trainer Marco Botti, said: “I can’t fault him at all. He walks around like he owns the place.

“He’s been unlucky too, especially here. In the Gold Cup in 2024 his rein came undone, and he still wasn’t beaten very far. Then last year Oisin [Murphy, jockey] said he was too far back, but he still ran to a high level of form.”

Giavellotto will take on a field of six in Saturday’s Group 1 prize, with Calandagan leading the way from stall two under Mickael Barzalona. Willie Mullins’ shock Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Ethical Diamond will make his first appearance since, while the Charlie Appleby-trained duo of Royal Power and By The Book line up alongside Simon and Ed Crisford’s talented West Wind Blows.

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