Back in competitive action for the first time since being crowned Longines World's Best Racehorses for 2025, Calandagan (Gleaneagles) signalled that he won't be giving up his crown without a fight when reeling in longshot West Wind Blows (Teofilo) to avenge last year's defeat in the $6-million G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan on Saturday.Runner-up to Danon Decile (Epiphaneia) 12 months ago, Calandagan was a warm order to go one place better in this six-strong field and gain the fifth top-level success of his career for Francis Graffard and the Aga Khan Studs.Taking up his customary position towards the rear of the field, with only last year's GI Breeders' Cup Turf hero Ethical Diamond (Awtaad) behind him, Calandagan forfeited a significant advantage to West Wind Blows as that one raced with enthusiasm at the head of affairs. It briefly looked like the shock might be on, with West Wind Blows certainly not stopping in front in the hands of Rossa Ryan, but Calandagan was not to be denied as Mickael Barzalona conjured a strong late bid from the fan favourite to ultimately win a shade cosily by 3/4-of-a-length. Giavellotto (Mastercraftsman) was 3 1/2 lengths further back in third for Marco Botti, with Ethical Diamond only fifth. The final time was 2:27.88.Calandagan is now on a five-race winning streak, having ended last season with four consecutive top-level victories in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Champion Stakes and Japan Cup. Earlier on the card, the strength of his form was advertised by Champion Stakes runner-up Ombudsman (Night Of Thunder), a smooth winner of the G1 Dubai Turf.A return to Europe is now on the cards for the five-year-old Calandagan, while the Dubai Sheema Classic is also a “Win and You're In” for the Breeders' Cup Turf, which this year takes place at Keeneland on October 31.The post Five In A Row for Calandagan as Fan Favourite Avenges 2025 Defeat in Dubai Sheema Classic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.