Blue Point edged out in Meydan Sprint

Blue Point made an excellent start to his four-year-old season when going down by a head to Ertijaal in the G2 Meydan Sprint at Meydan, UAE, on Thursday, 22 February. 

The Charlie Appleby-trained Shamardal colt, dropping down to five furlongs for the first time, was restrained in fourth of the five runners by William Buick early on before moving up a place at the halfway point. 

Blue Point went second with a furlong and a half to go and ran on strongly in the closing stages but could not quite get on terms with Ertijaal, who held on to score in 56.56s on good ground, as the first two finished three and a quarter lengths clear of Hit The Bid in third. 

Charlie Appleby commented: “We were very pleased with the performance of Blue Point. We felt beforehand that he would come on for his seasonal return and he has lost nothing in defeat. 

“He has galloped out strongly tonight and six furlongs at Meydan is going to suit, so all roads will now lead to the Al Quoz Sprint (G1, 6f) on Dubai World Cup Night (31 March).”