Does it all point to Blue? The key questions for a sizzling speed test

Al Quoz Sprint (Sponsored by Azizi Developments) (Group 1) | 6f, 3yo+, turf | ATR/RUK

Is Blue Point a banker?

Charlie Appleby's Blue Point is likely to be sent off the first odds-on shot in the history of this race and all the talk suggests he can justify favouritism.

William Buick feels the Ascot course record holder over six furlongs is his best chance from five rides on the night and Appleby, who also runs second favourite Jungle Cat, ridden by James Doyle, and the Mickael Barzalona mount Baccarat, is confident of a bold show.

Blue Point would be odds against if not for the omission of Ertijaal, who suffered a stress fracture this week, but whatever price he goes off, a big run is clearly expected.

Appleby said: "Blue Point has really grown into himself and looks a real sprinter now – he's stronger and quicker.

"The return to six furlongs and at this track should play to his strengths. He's come on for his return and has a strong chance.

Blue Point: best chance of the night for William Buick according to the Godolphin jockeyCredit: Mark Cranham

"Jungle Cat was impressive over this trip in the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint and is in top form, while Baccarat is as good as ever and has earned another crack at a big race like this."

Who is the likeliest challenger?

Dean Ivory's Librisa Breeze comes out on top on official ratings with Blue Point 3lb inferior and is proven over further should stamina be called upon.

The Tony Bloom-owned grey will be Ivory's second World Cup night runner, with Lancelot Du Lac failing to land a blow in this race two years ago, and the trainer feels there is more to come from Librisa Breeze.

Ivory said: "He's got every chance and I still don't think we've seen the best of him – he's been unlucky at times.

"The travelling over took a quite a lot out of him, as we imagined it would, but he seemed to be back on track by the middle of the week.

"You could always use a couple of days more to acclimatise but it is what it is."

What about the draw?

Much has been made of the draw on the dirt track with the general consensus that a low berth and prominent racer is key, but on the turf it's a different story.

The pace in the race is crucial and with perennial front-runners Faatinah, Conquest Tsunami and Jungle Cat in stalls one, nine and ten, a split field is likely.

Music Magnate and Hit The Bid have double-figure draws and likely to race prominently down the stands' side, so it may well suit Blue Point, who splits those rivals in stall 13 and should get a blistering pace to run at.

What they say

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Washington DC
He's come forward from last season and if you go through his form there are some very smart runs in there. The ground was too slow for him in this race last year. He's been working nicely and will like the better ground.

Peter Gelagotis, trainer of Illustrious Lad
I can't fault him since he arrived in Dubai. He's travelled well, his action is good and his best form puts him about a length behind our top-level sprinters. He loves a straight track where he can get plenty of galloping room, so this should suit him well.

Peter Miller, trainer of Stormy Liberal, Richard's Boy and Conquest Tsunami
Conquest Tsunami is my best chance – he's as sharp as a razor. He's a speed horse, very fast and likes to race prominently. Richard's Boy may be a cut below the others on ability but he makes it up in desire and heart. Stormy Liberal didn't travel or run well at all on his penultimate start in Hong Kong but would have a live chance if returning to his best form.

Randi Melton, assistant to Mark Casse, trainer of Holding Gold
He's quite smart and I think he'll handle the straight course. He looks great and settled in well on his first trip this far.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Magical Memory
It's the first time he's travelled further than Deauville so we're testing the waters in that respect. It's a tough race but he's done plenty of work and the draw looks okay. He runs well fresh and Frankie [Dettori] has got on well with him in the past.

Bjorn Baker, trainer of Music Magnate
I couldn’t be happier with him. He looks magnificent. If he runs to his best form he has a definite chance. He’s a high-class horse and his record on firm tracks and fresh up is second to none.

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