In-form Blue Point cemented his position as the frontrunner for the Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night with a stunning victory in the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint at Meydan’s Super Saturday.
The Charlie Appleby-trained five-year-old shone last season with success in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and was third in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York.
The 43-year-old’s charge was an easy winner of a five-furlong Group Two at the track last month, and his preparation continued with another facile victory – watched on by His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Blue Point took time to find himself in the 1200m race with Log Out Island setting the early pace, but once William Buick got him rolling a furlong and a half out, they stormed across the line three lengths clear of Ekhtiyaar.
Appleby said: “I’ve always had a soft spot for this horse ever since his two-year-old career. He’s one of the quickest horses I’ve ever had and he’s just progressively improved year on year.
“Mentally he’s more mature this year and physically he’s what you want to see in these sprinters.
“He came out of his last race so well I thought we’d be better off taking another race in to keep the lid on him. He’s was just too fresh.”
Buick added: “He felt great. He’s just a lot more professional. This was another stepping stone to the Al Quoz. It’s just lovely that he’s channelling all his strengths.
“The team has done a fantastic job with him. He’s always been an exciting horse. His confidence has grown. He knows how good he is.”
BLUE POINT is way too good for them!
— Meydan Racing (@MeydanRacing) March 9, 2019
The Charlie Appleby-trained sprinting superstar stretches his speed to win Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint Sponsored By Arabian Adventures under William Buick#SuperSaturday #DWCCarnival pic.twitter.com/O7gsqIJhVU
