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| Staff Writer |
With State Of Rest having proved himself, Newgate Farm’s Henry Field is confident Artorius also delivering on his Royal Ascot assignment. Field, races Artorius in a syndicate of high profile owners.
"I think people need to keep in mind Artorius and Home Affairs have raced three times and Artorius has beaten him home twice,'' Field said.
"If Home Affairs is favourite for the race we have to be confident of Artorius being a definite chance.''
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Australian trainers Anthony & Sam Freedman’s representative, Artorius has been widely overlooked in England in the build-up to Royal Ascot with the focus primarily on the Chris Waller-trained Home Affairs in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes.
Sam Freedman, who trains the highly progressive Gr.1 colt in partnership with his father Anthony, isn't concerned Artorius is flying under the radar going into the Platinum Jubilee Stakes.
In fact, Freedman's confidence soared after Artorius galloped impressively at Royal Ascot a week ago.
"Artorius came through that gallop well and has had an easy week going into Royal Ascot,'' Freedman said.
"We have just tried to keep ticking the boxes since and he is pretty fit now.
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Trainer Chris Waller elected not to back up with King's Stand Stakes winner Nature Strip and rely on Home Affairs to complete the Group 1 Royal Ascot sprint double.
"Home Affairs is very good and we have got a little bit of confidence from Nature Strip running so well earlier in the week,'' Waller said.
"They have had similar build-ups to Royal Ascot and similar formlines.''
Dual Group winning Home Affairs will be looking to enhance his stallion resume by winning a northern hemisphere major at Royal Ascot for owners Coolmore inc.
"This colt already has two ‘stallion-making' races next to his name in the Lightning Stakes and the Coolmore Stud Stakes,'' Waller said.
"He is an amazing athlete with an amazing temperament and he has all the right qualities to be a top stallion.
"Home Affairs doesn't need to prove himself in Australia but it would be a boost for his stud credentials if he can win in this part of the world.''
The Royal Ascot track surface has been firm all week which is advantageous for the Australian sprinters, particularly Home Affairs.
"He's a quick horse, he's a big boy and loves the firm ground,'' Waller said.
"By Australian standards that track is fantastic, very safe. Despite it being a dry, warm week they look after it each night with some water and there is a thick cover of grass.
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Distance 6f (1, 207 metres), Surface Turf, Track Straight, Qualification Four-years-old and up, (Southern Hemisphere 3yo allowed), Weight 9 stone 3 lb, Allowances, 3 lb for fillies and mares, Purse £700, 000 (2021), 1st: £396, 970, Bonuses see Global Sprint Challenge
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