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| Sumita Pawar |
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On the last day of the 2023 carnival, Artorius and The Astrologist from the Australian sprinting team finished fourth and fifth in the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, demonstrating their recovery at Royal Ascot.
In the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Stakes, Artorius and The Astrologist showed their prominence towards the end of the race, unlike Coolangatta and Cannonball who made little impact in the Kings' Stand Stakes on Tuesday.
Despite being heavily supported before the race, Artorius settled in the midfield on the near side and put in a solid effort to finish fourth in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, which was won by the unexpected Khaadem.
Artorius Finishes Fourth In Jubilee Stakes
“It probably didn’t quite pan out exactly how we would’ve hoped,” trainer Sam Freedman said.
“We might have wanted something to follow there again but he’s put up a good performance, just needed something, I think the last 100, 150 metres to just aim up at. He made a long run. He’s done everyone proud.”
Artorius' run in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes is probably his final appearance in racing, despite his previous successes in the Diamond Jubilee and July Cup.
Although trainer Sam Freedman considered following a similar path in 2023, he thinks it's improbable.
“It probably didn’t quite pan out exactly how we would’ve hoped,” trainer Sam Freedman said.
“We might have wanted something to follow there again but he’s put up a good performance, just needed something, I think the last 100, 150 metres to just aim up at. He made a long run. He’s done everyone proud.”
Artorius' performance in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes is expected to be his final appearance in racing, even though he had previously achieved success in the Diamond Jubilee and July Cup, finishing third in both races last year.
Trainer Considers Retirement For Horse
Although trainer Sam Freedman was initially considering following a similar path in 2023, he now believes it is unlikely to happen.
“I’d love to, but I think that’s probably it.
“He’s been a special horse for us. He’s my first personal Group 1 winner, but he’s been a great horse for the stable and given us the opportunity to bring him over here and run against the best.
“It’s an absolute dream to get a horse like him.”
Despite being underestimated by the market, The Astrologist exceeded expectations by leading the center group before losing momentum in the final furlong, ultimately securing a fifth-place finish.
“He ran great,” jockey Damien Lane said.
“He stepped well from the barrier and mustered good speed so I was happy to take it up. I wanted to make it a true contest because that’s how he goes best. As a result of that, he just knocked up late. I feel he left it all out there. He ran as well as we could have hoped for and I’m really proud of the horse. He stuck on and really toughed it out.
“We thought there might have been a little bit more speed out wide and if that was to eventuate, we were happy to take a sit. But at the same time, it was a pretty open book. We wanted to come down the middle of the track so when those outside horses didn’t come over, I was happy to take it up.”