Anthony and Sam Freedman realise you cannot be giving away big starts if you want to be successful at the highest level.
While Artorius was victorious at Group 1 level as a two-year-old, the Freedman stable has worked on getting the son of Flying Artie to be cleaner at the start.
They hope that will be on display when Artorius resumes in the Group 3 H D F McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Artorius produced a barnstorming finish to claim the Blue Diamond Stakes over Saturday’s course and distance in February but ruined his hopes with a slow start in the Golden Slipper when finishing sixth to Stay Inside the following month.
Sam Freedman said Artorius, who is being aimed at the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m), had blinkers on when he began smartly in an 800m jump-out at Flemington last week.
“You cannot be giving starts away in a Golden Slipper and expect to run them down,” Freedman said.
“When he gets deeper into the prep and out in trip, he’s going to be able to hold a spot a lot closer, so hopefully on Saturday he begins a bit better.
“Ideally, we would like him off the fence, but he may get pushed down to the rail.”
Freedman said the headgear had a noticeable effect on the now three-year-old in the jump-out, saying Artorius was generally laid back.
He said the blinkers had done their duty in sparking Artorius to produce a good piece of work in the jump-out, something that was needed ahead of Saturday’s return.
“His work has been sharp enough, mindful that he’s been trained to run a mile this preparation,” Freedman said.
“It wouldn’t surprise us if there’s a fitter, sharper horse on Saturday, but as long as he’s attacking the line, then we’ll be really pleased going forward.”
