BLUE POINT

After being scratched at the barrier in the Alquoz Sprint, where he was strongly supported, Blue Point found an obvious target in the Chairmans Sprint as he chases his maiden G1 win. The son of Shamardal was placed at the highest level as a two year old (Middle Park Stakes (1200m) and the Dewhurst Stakes (1400m)) and has wins at G2 and G3 level. The winner of 5 races in a career spanning 11 starts, he was limited to only four starts in his three year old season. He finished a strong second at his only start this year, behind Ertijaal in the Meydan Sprint (1000m).

This morning he made a brief appearance on the dirt track, cantering a lap to stretch his legs. Sophie Chretien, assistant to trainer Charlie Appleby, said: “He arrived over on Sunday lunch time, he travelled great with a stable companion, Bravo Zolo. So far so good, really; he enjoyed his flight, there wasn’t one bead of sweat on him, it was perfect, the best you could imagine. We’ve been really happy with his preparation. He just had a leg stretch today, he did one lap of the dirt track doing a nice strong hack. Yesterday he only had a jog just to get used to the new place.

“He’s been great since Dubai, it was just a bad day for him, something you don’t expect, but we had to deal with it. We’ve kept his training normal and he’s actually been very happy since. Nothing is against him so far. He’s a very classy horse, he deserves a Group 1 and I hope he gets it on Sunday. Charlie will be over here later in the week.”

 

PINGWU SPARK

Stepping up the G1 level for the first time in the  Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) back in March, Pingwu Spark finished mid-field. However he had a poor trip, being posted wide for most of the journey, so he could be forgiven for not finishing more prominently. His early season form was sparkling, winning 5 of his first 6 starts as he progressed through the classes. His latest run was in the Chairman’s Trophy (G2 1600m), where he finished third to Beauty Only.

 

AMAZING KIDS and WESTERN EXPRESS

Both the John Size runners went about in the first barrier trial this morning. After starting poorly, both were able to make ground through the field and finish well, without much being asked of them. Western Express was second and Amazing Kids was fifth for what it is worth.

Both were ridden by race day riders – Olivier Doleuze on Amazing Kids and Sam Clipperton on Western Express. Clipperton said of Western Express “He’s not out of it, certainly not on his last run, and he’s with the right man in John Size.”

The trial was marred by a nasty fall, with Tommy Berry falling from Agree after his mount faltered and collapsed. Fortunately, Berry escaped serious injury and has been passed fit to ride tomorrow night at Happy Valley.

TIME WARP

Team Cruz took to the small all-weather track for one lap. Time Warp was in company with stablemates and fellow Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup runners Pakistan Star and Gold Mount. Trainer Tony Cruz said: “He’s been very well since that last race, he pulled up fine and I’m very happy with him – he’s spot on for this race.”