Star Of Mystery flashes home in G2 Blue Point Sprint

Up-and-coming sprinter Star Of Mystery produced a sensational display to soundly beat a seasoned field in the G2 Blue Point Sprint at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 26 January.

The three-year-old had flown from the rear to take the Al Wasl Stakes two weeks earlier but was encountering five furlongs for the first time against opposition that had posted more than 50 wins between them.

Star Of Mystery was once again restrained at the rear of the 13-strong field and had at least six lengths to make up on the pace-setting Ponntos at the halfway point.

Mickael Barzalona started to pick off runners with two furlongs to race and Star Of Mystery went through the gears after switching to avoid traffic a furlong and a half from home.

Having moved up to sixth a furlong out, Star Of Mystery continued to close on the leaders and readily quickened past Ponntos inside the final furlong.

The Charlie Appleby-trained filly skipped clear in the closing strides, crossing the line a length and three-quarters in front.

Charlie Appleby said: “I am delighted with Star Of Mystery. I know we were receiving a lot of weight from the older horses, but she has beaten them well.

“We will head towards the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint on Super Saturday and then see how far we get.”

Mickael Barzalona said: “I was travelling well and, with a better draw, I would have sat a bit closer. We went a pretty fast gallop, although I doubted whether I would be able to come from that far back.

“I was able to squeeze wherever I wanted and, for a three-year-old filly against this quality of older horses, Star Of Mystery showed some class. She is still learning and everything is going the right way.”