Co-trainer Sam Freedman has legged Jamie Spencer aboard Artorius for the first time with the final touches being applied to the sprinter’s work towards the renamed Group 1 Platinum Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot on Saturday.
Working down the famously long Ascot straight, Spencer is confident that the three-year-old colt by Flying Artie can be competitive in a race which he expects will be run to suit.
“He felt good,” Spencer told SENTrack.
“He went for a spin at Ascot and we went down to the five-furlong gate (and) he’s quite a relaxed horse so from watching his videos, he only does what you ask of him and that’s what he did.”
The blinkers went on Artorius for that solo gallop which provided neither positives or negatives as far as Spencer is concerned.
“Probably 99 out of 100 horses move beautifully on that surface so I’m happy and looking forward to next weekend.”
Artorius is rated an $11 chance with TAB in their Platinum Jubilee Stakes all-in market with Home Affairs the $4 favourite.
In a bid to help the horse’s racing temperament, it is likely that Artorius is likely be one of the last to enter the starting gates before the jump.
“Obviously he gets back in his races at home but 1200 metres at Ascot is vastly different to 1200 metres at Flemington.
“It is a gruelling track and if they line up at the 600 (metre mark) and take each other on, and they’re softened up, he’ll be hitting the line hard.
“It is a very competitive race, there are some great horses in there including Home Affairs and Campanelle.
“I just hope he jumps on terms.”
Spencer’s book on the first day of the meeting on Tuesday includes US-raider Golden Pal ($3.90) in The Kings Stand Stakes (1000m) where Nature Strip is the $3.20 favourite.
“He’s a monster and a fantastic mover,” he said of Golden Pal.
“You can see from the last couple of Breeders’ Cups he takes two or three lengths from the field when he jumps.
“A quicker track would obviously suit him but it will be an interesting race between him and Nature Strip.”
Golden Pal took out the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (1000m) at Del Mar last November.
