Al Kazeem returned from a 357-day lay-off with victory in the Gordon Richards Stakes...
Last seen when winning the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket, Roger Charlton's charge travelled well throughout the 10-furlong heat in the hands of James Doyle.
Ektihaam set out to make virtually all but Al Kazeem was cruising in behind turning for home before finally making his move with a furlong to go.
Thomas Chippendale made it a three-way finish by launching his challenge down the outside and while Al Kazeem possibly felt his long absence in the dying strides, he hung on by.
Thomas Chippendale claimed a narrow second with Ektihaam third.
Al Kazeem has entries in races such as the Coronation Cup and Prince Of Wales's Stakes this term but Charlton is targeting a trip to Ireland at the end of May.
Charlton said: "I was a bit apprehensive because a lot of mine will come on for the run. He looked great and that was a good effort.
"We know he gets a mile and half, but a mile and a quarter is a more commercial distance, as long as he can win good races over that distance, but he will have entries over a mile and a half as well.
"In the immediate future, I think he will go to the Curragh for Tattersalls Gold Cup."
Doyle is expecting his mount to progress for the run and said: "Since he's come back he's been galloping great at home and doing everything right.
"We expected this today. Today is a stepping stone to bigger things and he couldn't have done it any easier.
"It was his first run for ages so I didn't want to ask him to do too much too soon and when he got to the front he pricked his ears and lugged into the rail."
Thomas Chippendale pleased connections on his return but is now set for a step up in trip.
Barry Simpson, racing manager to owner Sir Robert Ogden, said: "The best three on form were first, second and third so you'd have to say that was a very good run. I think he might step up a couple of furlongs now."
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