Royal Ascot 2018: Blue Point swoops to cause a minor shock in King’s Stand Stakes

THE King's Stand Stakes was billed as a two-horse race, but Blue Point stole the show at odds of 6-1.

The focus in the build up to the race had been on Lady Aurelia and Battaash, but Charlie Appleby's colt was strong at the finish and was well on top at the line.

The rapid 9-4 shot Battaash won the early battle for the lead and set a scorching early gallop under Jim Crowley.

At around half way, jockey John Velazquez was sending out distress signals on the 2-1 favourite Lady Aurelia.

Battaash still travelled strongly approaching the final furlong, but Blue Point, who flopped in Hong Kong on his previous start, was always close enough to strike.

As the leader began to wilt, the Godolphin-owned colt stormed through to win decisively, with the fast-finishing Mab's Cross just failing to overhaul Battaash for second.

ROYAL ASCOT LIVE Don't miss out on all the latest tips, odds and news ahead of Ascot

Derby-winning trainer Appleby said: "The Derby was fantastic, but this horse means a lot.

"We've loved this horse since he was a two-year-old. I was confident coming into today that he was the right horse."

Buick added: "I'm very, very pleased for the horse, he deserves it.

"He's very quick, I was always very comfortable where I was and I always knew he would see the race out better than Battaash and it was just a case of whether I would be close enough."