The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Artorius gave all his rivals a start before producing a whirlwind run under rider Luke Currie to sail past the James Cummings-prepared stablemates Ingratiating and Anamoe (Street Boss {USA}).
Artorius’ Newgate-based sire Flying Artie was a precocious youngster who won the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts and Geldings) before finishing runner-up in the Blue Diamond S. behind Extreme Choice, his now barnmate at the Hunter Valley stud.
That wasn’t lost on Sam Freedman as he basked in the glory of his first Group 1 winner after joining father Anthony in partnership at the start of the 2020/21 season.
“It was shades of his sire there, but he went one better. You watch replays of Flying Artie and Extreme Choice going at it. Flying Artie was obviously very unlucky and to see his son finish off and go one better is a big thrill,” he said.
“Flying Artie was obviously very unlucky and to see his son finish off and go one better is a big thrill.” – Sam Freedman
Artorius was purchased by Anthony Freedman Racing and Blue Sky Bloodstock for $120,000 from the draft of Vinery Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
He is a son of the unraced Gracie’s Lass (Redoute’s Choice) and she is a half-sister to the G1 Darley Classic winner Delectation (Shamardal {USA}) with their dam Grace And Power (USA) (More Than Ready {USA}) a Listed winner and runner-up in the G1 Hollywood Starlet S.
“He was very immature and looked like he was six months off being a developed yearling. To be honest, I didn’t love him, but Dad loved him and he’s a very good judge,” Freedman said.
“We gave him time and in the last six months he’s turned into a beast and 1200 metres is short of his best so we’ll be targeting the Guineas in the spring. Having the family colours on today was a special touch as well.”
Artorius made his first appearance at Geelong last month and finished runner-up before he went one better in convincing style at Sandown before one more twist was required.
“We gave thought to the blinkers before he won at Sandown and gave him the benefit of the doubt. He was dominant there and then we had another rethink,” Freedman said.
“We gave thought to the blinkers before he won at Sandown and gave him the benefit of the doubt. He was dominant there and then we had another rethink.” – Sam Freedman
“We liaised with Daniel O’Sullivan, who does a lot of ratings and form, and asked how much do we have to make up on these sorts of horses. He said 4 or 5l and we tended to agree.
“We didn’t have the blinkers on in his trial and he was lazy so we put them on and they sharpened him up and put him in the right head space.”
Sam Freedman and Luke Currie
A team effort
Freedman also paid tribute to all the stable’s back room staff and their efforts to have Artorius at his best at Caulfield.
“It’s a big thrill and it’s a big team effort. This horse has spent a lot of time at both Pinecliff and Flemington. It’s a great feeling, but there are a lot of people behind this horse and we’ve got a lot of loyal staff,” he said.
For rider Currie, it erased the memories of 12 months ago when he missed out on the ride of the Freedman-trained Hanseatic (Street Boss {USA}), who finished runner-up in the Blue Diamond in the hands of Tim Clark.
“I missed this day last year with a fall the night before so it’s a much better weekend and it makes it all worthwhile,” he said.
“I missed this day last year with a fall the night before so it’s a much better weekend and it makes it all worthwhile.” – Luke Currie
“I thought he was a chance, but thought he might struggle late, but he just kept coming and it was an amazing feeling the last bit.
“They were tossing up whether to come here or wait for seven furlongs, which is probably what he needs, but he thrived after Sandown.
“I jumped him out earlier in the week at Balnarring and they decided to put the blinkers on him. They know what they are doing and that’s why they produce big winners like they do.”
Quinella for first season sires
Frosted colt Ingratiating settled in the body of the field and finished off well to edge out Anamoe with Finance Tycoon (Written Tycoon) fourth.
The result was enormous for the credentials of two young sires with top performances from their juveniles in the first Group 1 contest of the year.
The favourite and previously unbeaten Enthaar (Written Tycoon) led the field wide out on the track, but she was swamped late and finished sixth, 3.1l off the winner.
Artorius as a yearling
