Newgate team eye Europe repeat with Artorius in 2023
In claiming more Group 1 black type in Saturday’s July Cup (Gr 1, 6f) at Newmarket, Artorius (Flying Artie) once again did his large group of travelling connections proud in flying the flag for Australia.
Artorius finished a closing third behind winner Alcohol Free (No Nay Never) in another consistent performance from the three-year-old, who was not overly suited to the undulating July track surface.
While Artorius’ European campaign may well be extended, with the colt set to be targeted at the Prix Maurice de Gheest (Gr 1, 1300m) at Deauville on August 7, for some of the team of owners Newgate Farm, their journey comes to an end this week.
However, they are already plotting a return to European shores next year – and hope to bring Artorius with them once more.
“He ran huge again. He’s given these other three-year-olds six pounds and he wasn’t beaten by far and it’s a great result for the horse. I’m proud of him,” Newgate’s stud manager Jim Carey said.
“He’ll have a campaign now back in Australia and hopefully we’ll be back here this time next year.”
With Artorius racing on into his fourth year, co-trainer Sam Freedman admitted on Saturday that progression to the French Group 1 contest next month would see Artorius unlikely to step out in the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) in the spring, instead the Champions Sprint (Gr 1, 1200m) during the Melbourne Cup carnival will be targeted.
Artorius’ UK campaign has seen him finish a flying third in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes (Gr 1, 6f) at Royal Ascot in June, while the Newgate team also celebrated royal victory in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Gr 1, 1m 2f) as part of the ownership group in State Of Rest (Starspangledbanner).
Carey – and managing director Henry Field – have also been on the ground at last week’s Tattersalls July Sale, as well as inspecting stallions at Newmarket’s major stud farms, including trips to Darley and Juddmonte.
Carey flew home to Australia yesterday saying the summer trip has been productive for the Hunter Valley stud.
“Newgate was only created ten years ago and in that time we’ve got a Group 1 Royal Ascot winner and two Group 1 placed runs at Ascot and Newmarket, it’s put us on the world map,” Carey said.
“We’ve met a lot of friends and a lot of people and unfortunately I’m heading back to cold Sydney on Monday morning. We can’t wait to be back again soon.”