Dutch Masterpiece looked to have a fair chance here a fortnight ago, especially with Pat Smullen on board, and duly obliged from Jordan Sport, who went one better last week. He started at lucrative odds that day mainly due to the support for Shaf, who had plenty of smart form in Australia to his credit but blew up quickly after leading to halfway. Better was obviously expected but he may need another run. HIT THE BID (NAP) finished 3l in front of Dutch Masterpiece when they occupied the places behind Ertijaal earlier and though 4lb worse off it shouldn't prevent the Irish challenger going one better. Kananee, a winner at Kempton and Newcastle in 2016, needed the run on his reappearance and should have come on plenty for the run.
Hit The Bid 12-1 (8-8) 2nd of 16, 1/2l behind Ertijaal (9-6) at Meydan 5f hcp fst in Jan.
Waady (IRE) 10-1 (9-4) 9th of 14, 5 1/2l behind Jordan Sport (8-9) at Meydan 6f hcp gd in Feb.
Polybius 5-1 (9-6) 9th of 14, 5 1/4l behind Dutch Masterpiece (8-13) at Meydan 5f hcp gd in Jan.
Shaf (AUS) 9-4fav (9-4) 13th of 14, 12 1/4l behind Dutch Masterpiece (8-13) at Meydan 5f hcp gd in Jan.
Dutch Masterpiece 12-1 (8-13) won at Meydan 5f hcp gd in Jan beating Jordan Sport (8-13) by nk, 14 ran.
Taneen (USA) 14-1 (9-2) 8th of 14, 4 3/4l behind Dutch Masterpiece (8-13) at Meydan 5f hcp gd in Jan.
Eqtiraan (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) 10th of 14, 5 1/2l behind Dutch Masterpiece (8-13) at Meydan 5f hcp gd in Jan.
Kananee (USA) 14-1 (8-8) 9th of 13, 9 1/2l behind Faatinah (9-6) at Meydan 6f hcp gd in Jan.
