Ascot return for Blue Point
Blue Point makes his seasonal debut in the six-furlong G3 Pavilion Stakes (15.45 hrs local time) for three-year-olds at Ascot, UK, on Wednesday, May 3.
A very smart two-year-old last year, the Shamardal colt bids to start his 2017 campaign well and, if he does, a return to course and distance is in prospect for the G1 Commonwealth Cup at the Royal Meeting on June 23.
Blue Point, successful three times over six furlongs during 2016 including when the impressive victor of the G2 Gimcrack Stakes at York, UK, in August, ended last year with two excellent runs in G1 company at Newmarket.
He kept on well when runner-up in the six-furlong Middle Park Stakes in September and ran on when third in the Dubai Dewhurst Stakes over a furlong further the following month.
Blue Point, drawn six of the 12 runners on Wednesday and with regular rider William Buick in the saddle, has among his opponents G2 Newbury winner Harry Angel.
His trainer Charlie Appleby commented: “I am delighted with Blue Point who wintered well in Dubai.
“He has done all I have asked of him to date and I have been pleased with his preparation.
“He showed a lot of natural speed as a two-year-old and this race is a good starting point before hopefully going on to the Commonwealth Cup.”
