Blue Point far too sharp for Gimcrack rivals

Blue Point produced one of the top two-year-old performances of the season so far as he stormed to victory in the G2 Gimcrack Stakes at York, UK, on Saturday, August 20.

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt, beaten a neck in the G2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood on July 28, raced behind the leaders in fourth for the first half of the six-furlong contest. 

He cruised up approaching the two-furlong pole and ran on strongly for William Buick to take the lead well over a furlong from home.

Blue Point readily quickened clear in the final furlong to score by a cosy three lengths over Mokarris in a quick time of 1m 9.00s on good ground.

Godolphin Chief Executive and Racing Manager John Ferguson commented: “Blue Point ran very well at Goodwood and was beaten by a horse with a huge amount of experience. You want to see real progression with these two-year-olds and that is what we saw today.

“William was able to give him a chance to settle and, when he asked a question, the horse really showed what he was capable of. I think it was a really impressive performance and all credit to the team for producing him like that today.

“I think he is very adaptable in terms of trip. There was chat after Goodwood that seven furlongs was maybe his trip after he finished the race off so well, but I think he has so much speed. He is by Shamardal and out of a Royal Applause mare, which suggests that speed is going to be his game.

“It’s early days and we can sit down and work out which route to go down next season. Those are the sort of decisions His Highness Sheikh Mohammed enjoys making and you need good horses to be able to make those decisions. It’s great to have another good horse on the team."

Charlie Appleby added: “Blue Point learnt so much at Goodwood and, after he crossed the line, we first thought that we might step him up to seven furlongs. We gave him an easy week and he just blossomed - he came out of the race so well mentally and got stronger physically.

“I talked with Sheikh Mohammed and John Ferguson, suggesting that Blue Point was all speed and we should stick to what we think he is best at. He has shown that today - William said that they couldn’t go quick enough for him.

“The plan will be to speak with Sheikh Mohammed but I think the most logical thing at the present time would be to go straight to the Middle Park Stakes (G1, 6f, Newmarket, September 24). We will get the horse back and speak to all connections first.”

William Buick said: “That was a very, very good performance. He got a lead for a little bit but he has so much natural speed - his cruising speed is so high that it is very hard to get a lead for as long as you want.

“He has travelled into the race lovely and I have kept it simple, but he was only playing with them. He is one of the best two-year-olds I have ridden.

“I can’t see why he won’t get further - he will relax once he gets in behind horses - but, at the same time, he has so much pace. Either way, he is very exciting.”