Already a Group I winner of the MRC Blue Diamond Stakes at two, Flying Artie colt Artorius confirmed his standing as an elite sprinter with an unlucky third in the Group I Platinum Jubilee Stakes (6f) at Royal Ascot and will now be given another chance to enhance his record in the Group I July Cup next month.
Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Artorius was twice third at Group I level last spring in the Caulfield Guineas and Coolmore Stud Stakes, adding further lustre to his record when powering home for a dead heat third with Campanella behind the Godolphin duo Naval Crown and Creative Force.
"He was super because it's a long way to come," the trainer said. "We thought he was going very well. Jamie said he was like a rat running up a drain pipe. There was barely a gap there but he put his head through it. He's run an absolute blinder.
"It was hard to know who was in front as the near side and the far side were so far apart. I had a bad angle and I couldn't tell whether he was third, fourth or fifth."
Arto
rius runs for an ownership group that includes Newgate Farm, China Horse Club and partners, who are all in agreement to keep the star colt in the UK for another run.
“After speaking to the guys, we'll probably stay here and go for the July Cup,” Freedman said.
"That track is a little bit different to Ascot but it's a stiff finish again. The owners are thrilled and all the staff should be so proud of what they've done with him."
Gracie’s Lass, the dam of Artorius, was one of 201 mares covered by his sire Flying Artie last spring.
