Gulfstream Park: Point of Entry won’t go to Dubai for Sheema Classic

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Despite turning in a huge effort to defeat Animal Kingdom in Saturday’s Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap, Point of Entry will not be heading to Dubai for the $5 million Sheema Classic on March 30.

Although Point of Entry’s connections had contemplated earlier this winter making the trip to Dubai to compete on World Cup Day, trainer Shug McGaughey confirmed Monday that the decision has been made to keep him racing exclusively in the United States this season. Point of Entry is owned in partnership by the Phipps Stable and Frank Stronach, who purchased an interest in the now four-time Grade 1 winner several months ago.

“We’ve decided not to go to Dubai, to keep him here with the summer goal being the Arlington Million and the ultimate goal for the year getting back to the Breeders’ Cup,” McGaughey said. “I just didn’t want to send him to Dubai for that race and then look up in September and have him be worn out.”

McGaughey said Point of Entry’s next start would either come at Keeneland or possibly on Kentucky Derby Day in the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs.