Aussie’s bounce back in Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes

The Australian sprinting contingent at Royal Ascot has bounced back with Artorius and The Astrologist finishing fourth and fifth respectively in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes on the final day of 2023 carnival.

After Coolangatta and Cannonball made minimal impression on Tuesday in the Kings’ Stand Stakes, Artorius and The Astrologist were prominent at the business end of proceedings in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Stakes.

Artorius was heavily supported prior to the jump and settled midfield on the near side and stuck to his task well finishing fourth in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes won by rank outsider Khaadem.

“It probably didn’t quite pan out exactly how we would’ve hoped,” trainer Sam Freedman said.

“We might have wanted something to follow there again but he’s put up a good performance, just needed something, I think the last 100, 150 metres to just aim up at. He made a long run. He’s done everyone proud.”

The run likely represents Artorius’ farewell from racing despite last year running third in the Diamond Jubilee before staying in the UK and again running third in the July Cup at Newmarket.

Freedman while interested in the idea of following the same path in 2023 believes it is unlikely.

“I’d love to, but I think that’s probably it.

“He’s been a special horse for us. He’s my first personal Group 1 winner, but he’s been a great horse for the stable and given us the opportunity to bring him over here and run against the best.

“It’s an absolute dream to get a horse like him.”

The Astrologist ran well above market expectations, leading the centre group before fading inside the last furlong but still managing to finish fifth.

“He ran great,” jockey Damien Lane said.

“He stepped well from the barrier and mustered good speed so I was happy to take it up. I wanted to make it a true contest because that’s how he goes best. As a result of that, he just knocked up late. I feel he left it all out there. He ran as good as we could have hoped for and I’m really proud of the horse. He stuck on and really toughed it out.

“We thought there might have been a little bit more speed out wide and if that was to eventuate, we were happy to take a sit. But at the same time it was a pretty open book. We wanted to come down the middle of the track so when those outside horses didn’t come over, I was happy to take it up.”

Cannonball’s forgettable Royal Ascot continued in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, rearing at the start and dislodging rider Danny Tudhope.