Alexandros peaking ahead of Mile

Alexandros will fly the flag for Godolphin at Sha Tin as he lines up in Sunday's Hong Kong Mile.

The four-year-old is the only runner for the team after they elected to withdraw Balius and Campanologist from their respective races.

However, Lockinge Stakes runner-up Alexandros is reported to be in fine fettle as he seeks a first win at the highest level.

After finishing lame at Royal Ascot in June, the Kingmambo colt was set to be aimed at the Dubai Carnival, but earned a ticket to Hong Kong after winning a Nottingham conditions event last month.

He will start from stall seven on Sunday, just inside of home favourite and defending champion Good Ba Ba.

‘The trip over was really good, he took it really well. He is progressing well since he has been here,’ head lad Tommy Burns told Press Association Sport.

‘He is running a fresh horse, he has had a three-month break, he has had his prep race and won that easy.

‘The option was to come to Hong Kong or go back to Dubai, but he has picked up well so we decided to come here and give him a chance.

‘The draw is good, not too bad. We would have preferred six to three, but seven is still a good draw. It's not bad draw, in the middle of the field.’

Alexandros was well beaten on his previous start at Sha Tin in April's Champions Mile, but the Godolphin team are expecting a better show this time.

‘In April he had been on the go along time,’ explained Burns. ‘He had run eight times as a three-year-old, including in November, and then we picked him up again in December for the Carnival so he had been on the go a long time.

‘We gave him a rest and the plan was to come back for the Carnival the following year, but he has come good early so we have decided to give him a chance.’

Speedster Egyptian Ra is expected to set the pace despite a wide draw, with Topkapi Trophy winner Pressing looking to improve on last year's disappointing showing from eight.

In-form Confront makes his first appearance in Group One company from 12 for Michael Stoute with Mile Trial winner Fellowship in one.

Champions Mile winner Sight Winner, who was second in the Trial, starts from five for John Size and last year's runner-up Able One is in stall three.