Star colts Artorius and Anamoe will renew hostilities earlier than many punters initially expected, with confirmation that the former is set to tackle the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m).
The Blue Diamond winner finished a closing second in Saturday’s Listed Exford Plate (1400m) at Flemington and while he looked to have his chance to reel in the winner Mr Mozart, connections were satisfied with the performance.
Trainer Sam Freedman had hinted last week that a Sydney cameo was on the cards for the Flying Artie colt and he confirmed those plans on Sunday, suggesting the Golden Rose shaped as the most suitable lead-up for next month’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m).
“We were happy with him,” Freedman said.
“As it turned out, he may not have been in the best part of the track (on Saturday).
“He’s on target for the Caulfield Guineas and will likely run in the Golden Rose next.”
Artorius and Anamoe met twice as two-year-olds – Artorius defeated Anamoe (3rd) in the Blue Diamond before the Godolphin colt turned the tables when second in the Golden Slipper, with Artorus sixth.
Anamoe later won the Group 1 Sires’ Produce (1400m) and continued his winning run first-up as a three-year-old with victory in Saturday’s Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Kembla Grange.
Anamoe is the standourt $2.25 favourite in Sortsbet’s all-in market for the Golden Rose, ahead of Artorius ($9), Remarque ($9) and Converge ($11).
– racing.com
