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| Sumita Pawar |
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Trained by Ralph Beckett, Artistic Star is scheduled to participate in the John Pearce Racing Gordon Stakes at Goodwood for his next race. Additionally, his connections are considering the St Leger later in the season.
After an impressive debut at Nottingham last year, Artistic Star continued his winning streak with a victory in a competitive novice event at Sandown in May.
Artistic Star's Rise And Fall
This unbeaten record led to his inclusion in the Derby at Epsom, where he finished a commendable seventh behind Auguste Rodin. Following this, Artistic Star secured a third-place finish in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, trailing behind King Of Steel.
Given the short time frame in which Artistic Star has made three appearances, his connections decided to forgo the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket's July meeting. Instead, the talented colt will participate in Group Three action during the highly anticipated Qatar Goodwood Festival on August 3rd.
"He's training very well. We were tempted to run at Newmarket, but we decided not to and we're going to keep him for the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood," said David Bowe, racing manager for owner Jeff Smith.
"We're very happy with the way he's training and as we've been quoted as saying before, he has a late birth date and he has had a few quick runs together, and I think he has benefitted a little bit from a longer time between races now.
"It will hopefully do him the world of good. He's a very nice horse and well-bred and we're in it to race and have fun, but equally the horse deserves the chance to be the horse we think he could be so we will just give him a little bit of time."
Bowe suggests that a strong performance at the Sussex Downs, a venue where owner Jeff Smith has experienced significant success, may pave the way for Artistic Star to compete in the final Classic of the season at Doncaster on September 16th.
He added, "That's exactly what we think he should be (a Leger horse). He has that sort of profile and trip-wise it looks to be ideal, so who knows. We're definitely keeping our eye on that option for sure."