Blue Point turns the corner for a crack at classy King’s Stand

Godolphin sprinter Blue Point will be attempting to put two disappointments in the first half of the year behind him when he contests a vintage running of the G1 King’s Stand Stakes on the first day of Royal Ascot.

The four-year-old was strongly fancied by trainer Charlie Appleby to win the G1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on Dubai World Cup night, Saturday, 31 March, only to be withdrawn at the start on veterinary advice.

Blue Point then travelled to Hong Kong, where he finished last of nine in a G1 sprint won by local star Ivictory at Sha Tin on Sunday, 29 April.

The Shamardal colt had tried to take on Hong Kong’s best at their own specialist game, in their own back yard.

“Hong Kong was disappointing for him,” Appleby said. “And he then had a bad trip back, with the plane hitting turbulence, which was unsettling,” he added.

“But, he had a nice break when he got back and he has recovered well. I feel he’s turned the corner, and he will appreciate both the step back in trip to five furlongs, and the return to Ascot,” the trainer pointed out.

This is a vintage running of the King’s Stand, with last year’s winner Lady Aurelia defending her crown and the lightning fast Battaash mounting a strong challenge.

Tactics will play a part, despite this being a five-furlong dash. With speed on up front all the way, a sprinter who can tuck in behind might be seen to advantage.