Globetrotting sprinter War Artist (Aus) added a Group 2 German sprint to his list of feature wins at Baden-Baden on Sunday.
War Artist (6g Orpen–Royal Solitaire by Brocco) was handily placed in the Goldene Peitsche (1200m) before making smooth progress in the straight. He challenged the leading division approaching the final furlong and was ridden right out by jockey Andreas Suborics to score by over a length.
War Artist was bred by Stephen Kirkham and was a $57,500 buy from the 2005 Gold Coast Magic Millions. He was purchased by World Wide Bloodstock from the draft of Attunga Stud and made his name as a leading short-course horse in South Africa where he was successful in the 2007 Mercury Sprint (G1).
Since joining the James Eustace stable in England, War Artist has run a number of outstanding races in G1 events such as the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and July Cup at Newmarket.
Eustace is now eyeing off more feature sprint races around the world for the Queensland bred and sold star. “He’ll go back to 1000m now and use the Prix de Petit-Couvert in two weeks time as a prep for the Prix de l’Abbaye,” Eustace said. “If all goes well, we hope to go to Hong Kong in December.”
War Artist is a half-brother to Sashenka (Orientate) who won three races and was G1 placed in the AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes. She was purchased by Rothwell Park for $420,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.