An unexpected four-year-old mare with a powerful finishing acceleration proved superior in Saturday’s 2026 Champions Sprint at Flemington.
Point Barrow delivered a Group 1 surprise in the $3 million 1200-metre event, which included Tempted, a mare who had only three weeks prior dislodged Ka Ying Rising from the top position in the $20 million The Everest.
The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Point Barrow finished ahead of Plaintiff and Skybird in an all-mare affair, marking the first of three Group 1 races for the day, a result that brought significant pride to the stable.
“She’s a good mare and I had good confidence coming into the race, albeit with Tempted in the field,” he said. “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.”
The Blue Point filly extended her winning sequence to three, following two dominant Group 3 victories at Caulfield. Under jockey Mark Zahra, she produced a stunning late run to achieve her eighth career victory from 13 starts.
Point Barrow, a $18 chance, won by a neck from Plaintiff, the $101 outsider who briefly held the advantage inside the final 100 metres. Skybird ($31) secured third place, a short-half-head behind.
Tempted, the $1.70 favourite chasing a sixth consecutive win, enjoyed a favourable run along the outside and appeared to be the winner when presented at the 300m mark, but faltered in the closing stages to finish fifth.
This marked the third Champions Sprint win for Zahra, and his second in a row after last year’s success on Giga Kick. The champion rider was pleased with the opportune moments when racing room became available.
“The thing in my favour was that we were an outsider and no one really cared about me,” he said. “I drew in and just wanted to be slow away, which I was, and get to the outside and following Tempted.
“I didn’t like it right out wide on the track, so I didn’t want to continue to follow, and when they went out, I waited for a gap, which was just inside, which I think is better. When I burst through she had a real crack and pinned the ears back late. It was a good win.”
The Champions Sprint was Tempted’s first exposure to the Flemington straight and was considered a trial for a potential overseas campaign next year. However, rider Chad Schofield noted that although she was taken wider than he would have preferred, he believed she had left her best performance at Randwick.
“She’s obviously had a long, successful preparation but it has come to an end,” he said.
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