Artorius out to become first 2YO in a decade to complete Blue Diamond – Golden Slipper double
A bad habit could lead to a Golden Slipper victory for Blue Diamond Stakes winner Artorius.
Artorius has won two of his three starts in Victoria despite giving his opposition a start in all his races. But a slow beginning could lead to a big finish in Saturday’s $3.5 million event.
Artorius has drawn barrier 13 in the Golden Slipper but co-trainer Sam Freedman said the colt would settle back in the field irrespective of his draw.
The key was whether Artorius would find the best part of what would be a wet surface in the straight.
“He will miss the start and he will be back so hopefully the rail chops out and they’re coming down the middle,” Freedman, who trains Artorius in partnership with his father Anthony, said.
“Hopefully, he’s going to be in the right part of the track but we were never going to be too fazed where he drew.
“There won’t be anything we can do about it.
“It’s just a little habit he’s got at the moment but I don’t think it will bother him too much.”
The Golden Slipper was delayed a week after Sydney’s rain deluge, leaving Artorius with a five-week break after his win in the Blue Diamond Stakes.
Artorius charged home to win the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield in February. Photo: George Salpigtidis/Racing Photos via Getty Images.Source:Getty Images
The son of Flying Artie trialled at Randwick on March 11 but Freedman said the stable wanted to keep some sharpness in the colt’s legs.
“He’s doing really well and I can’t fault him,” Freedman said.
“I think, ultimately, he’s the sort of horse that might be better over 1300 or 1400(m) so having the gap between runs just keeps the sprint in his legs.
“It probably works in his favour a little bit.”
Artorius carried the famous Freedman family colours in his Blue Diamond win but jockey Luke Currie will wear the China Horse Club’s red and yellow silks in the Golden Slipper.
Hunter Valley breeder Newgate Farm bought a controlling stake in Artorius after his Blue Diamond win. Freedman said the ownership adjustment would no affect Artorius’ three-year-old plans.
“They have left it to us and it doesn’t change his plans heading into the spring,” Freedman said.
“He’ll be heading down a similar path to what Super Seth did, which was to have a look at the Coolmore (Stud) Stakes and the (Caulfield) Guineas then make a decision early in the preparation which way to go.”
Artorius is an $11 chance in the latest Golden Slipper betting with TAB.com.au.
Originally published asSlow burn for Artorius in Golden Slipper
Source: Read Full Article