Artorius is raring to go for this Saturday’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot after reeling off a winning gallop on Friday.
The Vinery-bred graduate will be lining up against Hong Kong’s Champion Sprinter and All Too Hard son Wellington in the time-honoured sprint.
Artorius breezed up over 1100m for James McDonald, who is looking forward to his first race-ride on the 4yo stallion. “His work was sensational and he’s thriving with the sun on his back in England. He’s usually laid-back but his focus was laser-like when he quickened up the rise.
“He’s moving with purpose and there are big expectations. He’s a world-class horse and has improved since his trip over here last year.”
In 2022 Artorius ran a closing third in the Jubilee Stakes, after being held up at the rear of a capacity field under Jamie Spencer. He was also competitive in Group 1 sprints at Newmarket and Deauville, however, co-trainers Anthony & Sam Freedman have only had one race on the radar this year.
“He’s much stronger and is fully furnished compared to twelve months ago,” Sam Freedman said on the weekend. “He’s more professional and is really attacking the line instead of looking around like he did last year.
“He travelled over perfectly and adjusting to life over here didn’t faze him. He lost 4kg on the flight but has put on 9kg since then so all the signs are positive. Hopefully, he gets a bit more luck in running this Saturday.”
Equally optimistic, is Wellington’s trainer Richard Gibson. “I’m looking forward to the Challenge. Hong Kong sprinters have always been very competitive abroad and I hope to continue that trait. We’re pretty relaxed about turf conditions, as long as they’re not extreme.
“I’m delighted with the condition I’ve got the horse in. We could not have been happier with the trial last week (Tuesday, June 13). I thought the horse showed a lot of energy and power and we’re looking forward to the Ascot challenge on Saturday” Gibson said.
Wellington will be chasing his fifth Group 1 win this Saturday and Ryan Moore is booked to ride. This particular duo were last successful in the 2022 Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m). In Hong Kong this season Wellington has contested four Group 1 races and finished no worse than third.
Artorius (4h Flying Artie – Gracie’s Lass by Redoute’s Choice) arrived in England on the back of an explosive Group 1 victory in the Canterbury Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in March. A fortnight later he finished a half-length fourth to Anamoe in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.
He was bred and sold by Vinery partner Greg Perry for $120,000 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale in January 2020. Perry kept a share in a Newgate Bloodstock syndicate and his earnings currently stand at $2,116,462. The connections of this Saturday’s winner pocket the equivalent of AUD$1,065,694.
UK bookmaker Paddy Power has Artorius at the top of its Jubilee Stakes markets at $3.75 while Wellington is priced at $7.
