Artorius camp plot French raid as Soumillon blames ground for Perfect Power loss

Australian raider Artorius could head to France for the next stop in his European summer campaign, with the Prix Maurice de Gheest suggested as a target for the July Cup third.

Connections felt he was not suited by the undulations of Newmarket's July course when finishing two lengths behind Alcohol Free.

Artorius filled the same spot last month in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, where he was beaten three-quarters of a length by Naval Crown. That form was confirmed, with Naval Crown half a length ahead of him in second this time.

Deauville on August 7 is the next date in the calendar for Artorius and a return to Britain in 12 months' time was also mooted.

Joint-trainer Sam Freedman said: "Jamie [Spencer, jockey] said the ground was very quick and he was out of his comfort zone coming down the hill, which put a bit of a space on him. When he hit the rising ground he was into his work again. He's never run on a track like this and it was a good effort.

"He's a three-year-old weighted as a four-year-old, which is a tall order, and there's every chance we'll come back next year when he'll be better weighted.

"He's run up to his form at Royal Ascot with the other horses filling the places and we may well go for the Prix Maurice de Gheest next, but we'll see how he is after the race."

The 9-4 favourite Perfect Power was a major disappointment, finishing seventh after never appearing to travel with the same class he displayed when winning the Commonwealth Cup.

Perfect Power: seventh in the July CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

Christophe Soumillon thought the quick ground went against him. He said: "He jumped out slow and I was nearly last. He was very nice today on the way to the start, but he never travelled in the race like he should. It was probably the ground."

Charlie Appleby took the positives from the efforts of runner-up Naval Crown and Creative Force, who ran a respectable fourth with the ground reportedly too quick.

Appleby is targeting a tilt at the Haydock Sprint Cup with Naval Crown and Champions Day is the next major target for Creative Force.

“Naval Crown has run a rock-solid race," said the Godolphin trainer. "The plan with him was to go and be forward. He set a good clip there and it was only the filly who has come and dived on us late.

"We'll probably head towards Haydock with him as the ground doesn’t worry him at all. He has shown today that he has a lot of natural pace and it was another big run."

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