Blue Point straight to King’s Stand after Meydan triumph

Blue Point is a general 5/1 to win a second King’s Stand Stakes. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Blue Point again looks certain to be a major player in this year’s QIPCO British Champions Series after a fluent success in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on Saturday.

Charlie Appleby’s speedster gained an assured victory in the hands of William Buick and is now a general 5/1 to successfully defend his King’s Stand Stakes crown at Royal Ascot in June.

Blue Point was a little keen during the early stages and took a while to engage top gear once asked to go about his business.

However, the 4-6 favourite eventually reeled in 66-1 shot Belvoir Bay and was well on top at the line in the six-furlong feature.

Buick said: “He had to dig a little bit deeper tonight, but he did it. He travelled so well through the race – with so much confidence running through his body – and when he had to find a bit extra, he did that as well.

“When he stretches out, he eats up the ground.”

Appleby said: “I was confident looking at William’s body language that he would pick up when he needed to and put the race to bed.

“William and Blue Point are a great combination and buzz off each other, but let’s not forget that it was a great effort from the team in Dubai.

“I’ll give him a little break now. We decided that as long as he finished in the first three tonight, he would then go straight to Ascot for another crack at the King’s Stand.

“He’s the finished article and he’s running at the top of his game.”

The other British-trained runner in the field was Richard Fahey’s Sands Of Mali.

Making his first appearance since landing the QIPCO British Champions Sprint at Ascot last October, the four-year-old forced the pace for a long way before fading out of contention and passing the post in sixth place.