Sprinting beckons for Blue Point following Dewhurst third
Blue Point will be aimed at the top sprints next season following a fine third in the G1 Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, UK, on day two of the Dubai Future Champions Festival, Saturday, October 8.
Stepping up to seven furlongs for the first time, the Charlie Appleby-trained two-year-old raced keenly early on before settling better for William Buick towards the rear of the eight runners after a furlong and a half.
Blue Point ran on strongly to challenge for the lead passing the furlong pole but the Shamardal colt could not go with Churchill in the closing stages and was passed by Lancaster Bomber near the line to go down by a length and three-quarters in total.
Thunder Snow, representing Saeed bin Suroor and ridden by Jim Crowley, kept on to come home fourth, a neck behind Blue Point.
Charlie Appleby said: “I am delighted with the run of Blue Point and he lost nothing in defeat.
“We wanted to see if he stayed seven furlongs today and he has answered the question - it will be the Commonwealth Cup (G1, 6f, Royal Ascot) for him next year. He could have one or two outings beforehand, possibly in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock Park (G2, 6f).
“William said Blue Point learnt a lot today. He settled and picked up nicely before the last 100 yards, when the petrol ran out. It was a good performance and he'll be a nice horse for next year.”
Saeed bin Suroor commented: “I was very happy with Thunder Snow. He has been second in two G2 races and now ran well in fourth in a G1. There are no plans and we will see what the options are but a mile will be no problem for him”
