The $240,000 Group III MRC Northwood Plume (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday was won in dominant style by talented Blue Point (IRE) mare Point Barrow, a $400,000 Magic Millions purchase from Yarraman Park.
Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Point Barrow was a last start winner over the same trip in similar grade and produced another dazzling performance to charge home from back in the field.
She pounced late for Mark Zahra to win by a length and a half running away.
POINT BARROW OVER THE TOP ?? SHE'S DONE IT AGAIN?? @FreedmanRacing https://t.co/WG3pfraciB
— 7HorseRacing ?? (@7horseracing) October 10, 2026
Co-trainer Anthony Freedman is keen to raise the bar for Point Barrow, who has the overall record of seven wins from 12 starts with prizemoney topping $840,000.
"I was a bit worried about the track. I didn't think it was racing (to suit) and so did a few other people, but she overcame it. She's a very good talent and we've got the key to her now. We've just got to find the right race for her,” he said.
"She is one dimensional. You've got to ride her that way. He (Zahra) rides horses like that very well. I don't think there's anyone better at timing a backmarker.
“He suits her and now she may end up in the Champions Sprint (G1) at Flemington though I'm not sure what weight she gets there. We'll have to assess that closer to the time but that looks like a logical race."
Mark Zahra has the knack of getting the best from Point Barrow and believes better wins are to come.
“Outside barriers actually suit her. You can take your time. She's a bit of a fizzy filly and back last, there was no one around her,” he said.
"It was a little bit of a carbon copy of the other day. I could see what was going on up front. Her turn-of-foot when I was able to angle out, it was like we did no work and in my mind it was game over at the 400 (metre mark).
"That's how you ride her best. She's had two scenarios like that. The way she's done it, you go from being last to in front at the furlong. Her turn-of-foot is exhilarating.
"I reckon they can up the bar now and see how she goes."
Bred by Yarraman Park in partnership with Robert and Barbara McClure of Morning Rise Stud, Point Barrow runs for an ownership group that includes the McClures along with Halo Racing Services (the late Colin McKenna)and Ridgmont.
She is the second foal and second winner from Group III winning Reward for Effort mare Take Pride, who was bought from the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale in 2017 for $550,000 by James Bester Bloodstock and comes from the family of Caulfield Cup winner Mummify.
Take Pride has a yearling colt by Hellbent, but will have no foal this spring after missing last year.
