It's a year since Axopar landed a novices' race at Newcastle and he makes his debut for new connections. Sadeedd does better at Jebel Ali but TRIPLE VENTURE has had all of his six starts here and been placed in four. He looks to have a good chance of getting off the mark as Royal Sands finished a long way last on his reappearance a month ago despite being well supported. Al Meqdam, a winner in Singapore, should do better after a summer with Doug Watson.
Al Meqdam (AUS) (9-1) 12th of 15, dist behind Winners Club (8-13) at Jebel Ali 7f hcp fst in Mar.
Axopar 7-4fav (9-5) Raced wide tracked leaders, went 2nd 4f out, pushed along 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on, won at Newcastle 6f stks (5) pol in Nov beating Whiteandblue (9-0) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Sadeedd (USA) (9-1) 3rd of 14, 3 3/4l behind Boston George (9-4) at Jebel Ali 7f hcp fst in Oct.
Show Maker (USA) 12-1 (9-6) Dwelt tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 12, 6 1/2l behind Thapa VC (10-1) at Lingfield 7f hcp (5) pol in Jul.
Triple Venture (USA) (9-2) 4th of 10, 5 1/4l behind Ranaan (9-8) at Meydan 6f fst in Nov.
Ra'ad (USA) (9-0) 4th of 8, 16l behind Western Symphony (9-1) at Meydan 7f hcp in Nov.
Royal Sands (FR) (9-1) last of 8, 18 3/4l behind Western Symphony (9-1) at Meydan 7f hcp in Nov.
Flame Talon (IRE) (9-1) 11th of 14, 21 1/2l behind Mayaadeen (9-11) at Jebel Ali 1m hcp fst in Nov.
Zahau (USA) (8-13) 7th of 10, 12 1/4l behind Ranaan (9-8) at Meydan 6f fst in Nov.
Desert Frost (IRE) (8-13) 10th of 14, 10 1/2l behind Mayaadeen (9-11) at Jebel Ali 1m hcp fst in Nov.
Law Of Nature (FR) (8-13) 7th of 14, 8 1/2l behind Boston George (9-4) at Jebel Ali 7f hcp fst in Oct.