Acklam Express was returning from a long break when an excellent second to Equilateral in this last year before an even better run when in front of that rival in the Group 1 Al Quod Sprint. He'll take some beating in that kind of form though LAZULI may have a fitness advantage. Charlie Appleby's dual Group 3 winner couldn't quite match strides with stablemate Man Of Promise three weeks ago but that should have brought him on enough to go one better. Khaadem, who finished third, should also improve though looks held but Parsifal, regularly placed in strong company in Australia, was reportedly hindered by a slipped saddle so did well to finish so close. Stablemate He's A Balter, the choice of Caitlin Jones, looked like winning on his debut here but was run out of it close home and a big run is expected.
Acklam Express (IRE) 22-1 (8-12) Close up, pushed along halfway, weakened inside final furlong, 10th of 16, 5 1/2l behind Oxted (9-5) at Ascot 5f Grp 1 stks (1) gf in Jun.
Dahawi (9-11) won at Meydan 5f hcp in Jan beating Thunder Of Niagara (9-7) by 1l, 8 ran.
He's A Balter (AUS) (9-0) 2nd of 14, nk behind Batwan (8-10) at Meydan 6f stks gd in Jan.
Khaadem (IRE) (9-3) 3rd of 14, 3 1/2l behind Man Of Promise (9-3) at Meydan 6f lst stks (1) gd in Jan.
Lazuli (IRE) (9-6) 2nd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Man Of Promise (9-3) at Meydan 6f lst stks (1) gd in Jan.
Live In The Moment (IRE) (8-10) 4th of 16, 2 3/4l behind Mutaraffa (9-3) at Meydan 5f lst stks (1) gd in Jan.
Parsifal (NZ) (9-0) 6th of 14, 4 1/4l behind Man Of Promise (9-3) at Meydan 6f lst stks (1) gd in Jan.
Waady (IRE) (9-3) 9th of 14, 6 1/4l behind Man Of Promise (9-3) at Meydan 6f lst stks (1) gd in Jan.
Wild Majesty (IRE) (8-10) 6th of 14, 4l behind Batwan (8-10) at Meydan 6f stks gd in Jan.
