A trip to Royal Ascot has been locked in for boom colt Artorius.
Co-trainer Sam Freedman confirmed the news on Wednesday morning with SEN Track’s Andrew Bensley, confirming it’s “all systems go” for this Newgate Farm three-year-old.
The Blue Diamond Stakes winner of last season had another frustrating preparation this autumn, running sixth in both the Rubiton Stakes and the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap.
Artorius will be targeted toward the Platinum Jubilee and the July Cup at Royal Ascot and Newmarket in England.
“He came back into the stable yesterday and he’s back under saddle and we will start gearing up towards the flight on the first of June,” Freedman said on SEN Track.
“He’ll head over there and have a couple of weeks to settle in, he’ll be pretty fit getting over there, we won’t have to do a whole lot with him which is very handy.
“Just keep him nice and fresh and well, it’s all systems go.
“From Newgate and our perspective, there’s not a lot to be lost in giving it a go – we thought we’ve got the right horse and he’s got the right demeanor to take overseas.
“He’s certainly going to be suited by a strong 1200m which certainly at Ascot and Newmarket in a July Cup, they’re going to be going at a good clip, which plays into the hands of a horse that can run out a strong 1400m which is certainly him.
“He’s still got to improve on his first furlong in his races – we know that down the straight he’s probably two or three lengths closer than he would be around a bend.”
A jockey is yet to be confirmed for the trip.
For all the quaddie numbers, download the Quaddie app today!
More in Horse Racing
Stable Mail: How key trainers would spend $100 at Randwick, Caulfield & Ascot
The staking plans from Stable Mail.