Blue Point second in Middle Park Stakes

Blue Point comprehensively beat all of his rivals except The Last Lion to finish a clear second in the G1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes over six furlongs at Newmarket, UK, on Saturday, September 24.

An impressive winner of the G2 Gimcrack Stakes at York in August, Blue Point raced freely in fourth of the 10-strong field early on for William Buick before settling in fifth at the halfway stage.

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt ran on strongly to go second over a furlong out but could not challenge The Last Lion, who made all to prevail by three-quarters of a length in 1m 12.13s on ground described as good to firm, firm in places.

The front pair finished two and a quarter lengths clear of the third, Mehmas, who had previously beaten Blue Point by a neck in the G2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood in July.

Charlie Appleby said: “Blue Point travelled into the race nicely and had a nice horse in front to aim at, but full credit to the winner. Our horse couldn't get past him so there are no excuses.

“The Commonwealth Cup (G1, 6f) at Royal Ascot next year is the most logical step at the moment.”