Top Australian sprinter Artorius primed for raids on Royal Ascot and Newmarket

Australian sprinter Artorius is to be readied for an ambitious British challenge in Group 1 races at Royal Ascot and Newmarket this summer.

Co-trainer Sam Freedman said on Monday that the Group 1-winning colt is enjoying two weeks of downtime before being prepared to tackle the Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June followed by Newmarket's July Cup.

"He’s having two weeks off before he heads to Royal Ascot," said Freedman, "He’s in a paddock during the day and box at night before we start to ramp up his work again towards the Platinum Jubilee."

Last season's Blue Diamond Stakes winner was luckless on his latest start in the Newmarket Handicap, where he lost many lengths by switching sides of the track only for those also held up to come from where he originally jumped.

"The Platinum Jubilee and then the July Cup are the two targets front of mind for him," Freedman added. "They are both on testing tacks with a strong, uphill finishes which should hopefully bring into play his ability run out a strong 1400m [7f].

"Also in the races over there they always go along at a good tempo, which should suit him."

Miss Andretti: had the 2007 King's Stand won a furlong out according to her jockeyCredit: Mark Cranham

Freedman has already done some reconnaissance on the mission and said Artorius has emerged from his Newmarket Handicap run as had been hoped.

He said: "[Uncle] Lee and [father] Anthony had Miss Andretti go over [and win the King’s Stand in 2007] and actually I touched base with Lee for some tips on the best way to go about it.

"We just felt that it’s a fairly big trip so giving him that break now will keep him nice and fresh heading towards that trip overseas.

"It was another good honest performance last time. He’s a model of consistency. I know he hasn’t won for a while, but he doesn’t put in a bad performance."

Lightning Stakes winner Home Affairs and the world’s highest-rated sprinter Nature Strip remain in training, with the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick on April 2 a possible target ahead of planned Royal Ascot trips too.

Read more:

Dad-to-be Karis Teetan rights wrong of last year in pulsating Hong Kong Derby

Christophe Soumillon holds on to win first turf Group race of 2022

'An absolute machine' - Zaaki storms to All-Star Mile success at Flemington

Sign up here. Place your first bet on racing pools and, win or lose, we'll match your stake up to £25 in Tote Credit. Max Tote Credit is £25. Tote Credit cannot be withdrawn, exchanged, or substituted and expires after seven days. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the betslip. Ten to Follow, virtual and football bets do not qualify. Totewin will be the qualifying bet when a Totewin and a Toteplace bet are struck at the same time. New UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org.