The Princess Zahra Aga Khan knew that the Dubai Sheema Classic would prove to be a walk in the park for arguably the best horse on the international horse racing circuit. It didn't turn out that way. The superstar had to dig deep into his reserves and produce yet another quality effort to overcome the strong challenge of West Wind Blows before stamping his class and sending out another authoritative statement that he on turf is the best horse in the world. 

Four months ago Calandagan became the the first foreign-trained winner of the Japan Cup in 20 years. And Calandagan in his first big test at Meydan was the piping hot favourite. The top french saddle artiste Mickael Barzalona, who understands and has struck a perfect bond with the jewel of France was unperturbed while the rest in the race and his owners were thinking that Mickael had left it a trifle too late. But the top man knew what he was doing and he simply trusted Calandagan to do what he normally does, beat all his rivals before the post and the champion did just that. It was a superb effort and the railbirds at Meydan simply loved it. Calandagan confirmed that he is the boss and he did it in style. No pressure. No panic. Believing in your ability and trusting your pilot to accomplish the mission. 

Such was the confidence in Calandagan's top draw abilities that Barzalona only gradually moved forward around the home turn, and still had four lengths to make up at the 400-metre mark. And it was at this juncture that Barzalona reminded the star performer of the task ahead and in the next 200 metres the  result went from suspense to a formality. The  five-year-old homebred stamped his class to the delight of his owners and the French, who rate him, very, very special. The performance of West Wind Blows in the event too was lauded and his connections most satisfied with his effort walked away with a smile knowing that his turn will soon come in the forthcoming Group-1 events round the globe. 

Asked how much she enjoyed watching the race unfold, Princess Zahra said: “No, not a bit of it! “It was terrifying. They went slow, but Mickael has been riding him like that for two years now, so we weren’t terrified until the final turn. Now we’re not any more.

“He has an amazing stride and he also has an amazing engine and a will to win. You can always tell with him, the last few strides, he puts his entire soul into it. It’s amazing to watch.”

Asked about future targets, Princess Zahra added: “I think we will go home and rest before we draw up our next plans. To tell you, we all are exhausted. The Princess after a moment said: “I think we might take a bit of a breather and then stay in Europe at the start of the summer, then we’ll see. 

While owner and trainer went on a Meydan rollercoaster, the man in the saddle maintained laser-focus to deliver a millimetre-perfect steer on a horse he only inherited when becoming first jockey to the Aga Khan Studs a year ago. “He’s an incredible horse, he's got his own attitude,” said Barzalona. “I know him very well now and he always gives plenty in the end, I just need to trust him." 

Talking on the race,  Barzalona was quick to reveal that he Giavellotto and Ethical Diamond were my main dangers. “And when I thought I was going much better than Giavellotto, it was my turn to go. I didn’t expect West Wind Blows to give me that hard a race.”

Class comes from consistency and the partnership between Calandagan and Barzalona has now forged an unshakable belief in their ability to take on any opposition and in any situation.