Artorius is raring to go for this Saturday’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot after reeling off a winning gallop on Friday.

The Vinery-bred graduate breezed over 1100m for James McDonald who is looking forward to his first race-ride on the 4yo stallion.  “His work was sensational and he’s thriving with the sun on his back in England.  He’s usually laid-back but his focus was laser-like when he quickened up the rise.

“He’s moving with purpose and there are big expectations.  He’s a world-class horse and has improved since his trip over here last year.”

Artorius ran a closing third in the 2022 Jubilee Stakes after being held up at the rear of a capacity field under Jamie Spencer.  He was also competitive in Group 1 sprints at Newmarket and Deauville, however, co-trainers Anthony & Sam Freedman have only had one race on the radar this year.

“He’s much stronger and is fully-furnished compared to twelve months ago,” Sam Freedman said on the weekend.  “He’s more professional and is really attacking the line instead of looking around like he did last year.

“He travelled over perfectly and adjusting to life over here didn’t faze him.  He lost 4kg on the flight but has put on 9kg since then so all the signs are positive.  Hopefully, he gets a bit more luck in running this Saturday.”

Artorius (4h Flying Artie – Gracie’s Lass by Redoute’s Choice) arrived in England on the back of an explosive Group 1 victory in the Canterbury Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in March.  A fortnight later he finished a half-length fourth to Anamoe in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.

He was bred and sold by Vinery partner Greg Perry for $120,000 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale in January 2020.  Perry kept a share in a Newgate Bloodstock syndicate and his earnings currently stand $2,116,462.  The connections of this Saturday’s winner pocket the equivalent of AUD 1,065,694.

UK bookmaker Paddy Power has Artorius at the top of its Jubilee Stakes markets at $3.75 while All Too Hard’s Hong Kong Champion Wellington is priced at $7.