Point Barrow delivers G1 Champions Sprint victory

A long-range plan focused on the G1 Champions Sprint at Flemington and resisting the temptation to chase earlier spring riches has paid off for Blue Point’s Point Barrow with a blistering victory at Flemington on Saturday, 7 November.

Anthony and Sam Freedman kept the talented mare in Melbourne for her spring campaign, and on the last day of the carnival she added a valuable G1 to her CV.

In beating Plaintiff and Skybird, with the favourites Tempted and Joliestar missing a place, Point Barrow joins the likes of Big Evs, Rosallion and Kind Of Blue among Blue Point’s seven G1 winners globally.

However, Point Barrow is Blue Point’s first elite level winner to emerge from his southern hemisphere crops which number of five of racing age in Australia.

Jockey Mark Zahra tracked the main chances in the run, getting the back of favourite Tempted who was trailing second favourite Joliestar in the run.

When Tempted eased into the widest running and Joliestar holding her line, Point Barrow made their move through the middle of the pack into what he believed was the better going on the 1,200m straight course.

“I was following Tempted but I didn’t like how far out they were coming in the straight because it was out in the worst part,” Zahra said.

“I waited and just needed a little bit of room when I went in. She’s got such a good turn of foot I was able to part the seas and she was in for the fight late.”

Co-trainer Sam Freedman was delighted to be able to have Point Barrow, who had won two G3 races leading into the Champions Sprint, to peak on the right day after the four-year-old mare had twice finished fifth in G1s.

“It’s been a long week and the team turned her out in great shape,” the trainer said. 

“She’s a good mare and I had good confidence coming into the race albeit with Tempted in the field. 

“She’s been a bloody good mare for a while and it’s been a long time coming. I’m glad she’s got the win at the top level.”