Aussie raider Artorius is returning to Royal Ascot for a second tilt at the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes as “the best credentialed horse in the race”.
The colt who finished third 12 months ago, beaten three quarters of a length, likes to come from behind.
But he is now quicker out of the stalls as a result of the work done by the training team of Anthony and Sam Freedman, according to connections.
“He is definitely stronger,” said Sam Freedman. “He has come back a better horse. He was probably not going as well last year, even heading into the carnival.
“This year he was beaten a length and a bit by Anamoe, probably one of the best horses in Australia, and previous to that he won a Group 1 over six and a half furlongs.
“Hopefully what you’ll see this time is a little more tactical speed so hopefully he won’t be right out the back like he was last year.
“If he can be three or four lengths closer, that’s what we’ve been trying to work on for the best part of 12 months. He seems to be the best credentialled horse in the race.”
Artorius is 4-1 joint favourite with Highfield Princess in William Hill’s betting for the 6f Jubilee. Hong Kong-based Wellington is next on 6-1.
Last summer Artorius went on to finish third in the July Cup and sixth in the Prix Maurice de Gheest, won by Highfield Princess, but his Royal Ascot run is likely to be his sole start in Europe this time.
“He’s just got better and better with age and if he can win, more than likely that would be job done," said Freedman.
“I’d be confident taking him up against any sprinter in the world but it’s a case of getting the right run in transit, getting a bit of luck and we are taking a little bit of the luck out of it by being a bit closer than we were last year.”
