Royal Ascot hopeful and 'TDN Rising Star' Blue Point (Ire) (Shamardal) will be readied to make his seasonal reappearance in the G2 Sandy Lane S. at Haydock in May upon his return from a winter break in Dubai. The 2-year-old is in line for the six-furlong contest ahead of an outing in the G1 Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting, for which he is as short as 6-1. Although tasting defeat in both the G1 Middle Park and G1 Dewhurst S., the son of Shamardal had earlier showcased his talents with victory in the G2 Gimcrack S. at York.
Trainer Charlie Appleby said, “Blue Point is only wintering and not racing in Dubai. We just decided to do that to give him an easier time. He will have a nice holiday and get a bit of sun on his back, then we will bring him back in the spring and look towards the Sandy Lane. We are really working back from the Commonwealth Cup.”
While potential plans have been drawn up for Blue Point, the Newmarket handler has yet to discuss targets for G1 Eclipse S. hero Hawkbill (Kitten's Joy), who is also wintering in Dubai.
Appleby added, “As it was quite clear to see, Hawkbill is ground dependent. He definitely wants cut in the ground. The softer the better. His last start in Germany was a good effort and he was just pipped for second. He will go where the ground is right for him. He is going to be a horse on his travels around Europe next year. He has done well and strengthened up well and I'm looking forward to having him as a 4-year-old.”
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