GODOLPHIN’S Blue Point finished a disappointing last in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha Tin on Sunday.

One of Europe’s top three-year-old sprinters last season, the son of Shamardal was the only European-trained runner on the Group 1 card last weekend and he appeared to have sound claims based on his encouraging second placing in a Group 2 at Meydan in February.

William Buick’s mount missed the break slightly in Sunday’s six-furlong event but was soon in contention. However, he found little in the home straight and was soon beaten behind local winner Ivictory.

Buick said: “I had to work to get around the outside a little bit in the run up to the turn, I got to where I wanted to be, he was always comfortable, but turning into the straight he fell away very quickly.”

REIGNING CHAMPION

The winner led home a 1-2-3 for reigning champion trainer John Size. Ivictory had set a Class 2 course record on his most recent start and is seen as a rising star of Hong Kong sprinting.

By Australian sire Mossman, Ivictory was partnered by Zac Purton, who was following up his earlier success on Beauty Generation in the Champions Mile.

Moreira had ridden Ivictory on his past four starts but opted here for Beat The Clock, who finished third. Hong Kong Sprint winner Mr Stunning was second.

Purton said: “Obviously he’d shown in his two previous wins that he might be something special but until you see them cope with the pressure at this level, you never really know.”

“It’s a big jump actually, from a Class 2,” Size said in his matter-of-fact style. “I’m thrilled and relieved to see the first three favourites in the finish. Ivictory had given us all the signs. He’d won six of seven before today and his past two were emphatic including a track record time at the (Happy) Valley but there was still the possibility it might be one run too early for him. But as it turned out he got the run of the race and showed that he was up to it.”

Purton, who had not before won any of the Champions Day Group 1s, acknowledged his good fortune in securing the ride. “I was fortunate to get on him and at the right time and then the race set up well for him, taking the trail behind the two leaders. He was quick and strong as two good horses set after him,” he said.