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English/Ire

Rayevka ready to start in Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint

Francis-Henri Graffard is looking forward to getting his classy sprinter Rayevka started for 2026 when she kicks off her campaign in the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint at Meydan on Super Saturday.

Trainer : Francis-Henri Graffard.
Trainer : Francis-Henri Graffard. Picture: Racing and Sports UK

A winner of the six-furlong Listed Prix Marchand d'Or at Chantilly last season, Rayevka went on to show some high-class form in defeat at the top-level, finishing third in Royal Ascot's Commonwealth Cup before returning to the same venue to finish a respectable sixth in the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes.

The daughter of Blue Point will break from stall thirteen as she takes on fifteen rivals in the Group 3 prize, with Graffard happy with how his contender has travelled ahead of her UAE debut.

"We decided to keep her as a four-year-old in training, she was a very nice filly last year and is a sprinting type," Graffard told Dubai Racing Club.

"When they get older, they can get better, so we've decided to give her another go this year. She's a six-furlong fast-ground filly so I thought it was nice to start here in Dubai.

"She could run on World Cup night but needs to run at this meeting first. She travelled over really well, which is important as it was her first long journey. She's put all her weight back on, eaten up well and she seems very happy.

"Mickael Barzalona gave her a gallop on the grass on Wednesday morning, and he was very happy with her, so we will see."

Graffard also provided an update on Calandagan, with the world's best racehorse currently gearing up his preparation at home ahead of an expected return in the Dubai Sheema Classic on World Cup night.

"He's in really good shape," added Graffard, "He's really strengthened throughout the winter. His preparation towards the Dubai Sheema Classic is going well at home.

"He's put 20kg on since Japan, he's really strengthening so he was probably just a late maturing type.

"Hopefully, the weather will be kind to us and not upset his preparation, but I couldn't be happier at this stage."


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