Coming back in trip for a Group 1 sprint at Flemington is an experiment the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable is willing to take with Artorius.
Having finished third behind Anamoe in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 9, Artorius has been freshened for an assault on the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.
It is not the usual path Guineas runners take, but Weekend Hussler did complete the double in 2007.
A winner of the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in February, Artorius has been winless in five starts since, although he has performed well on each occasion.
Sam Freedman said the stable was banking on Artorius’ straight-line speed and finishing power to give him that edge in Saturday’s contest that has become a stallion making race.
Of the 17 runners in Saturday’s race, 16 are colts against the lone filly Gimme Par, while Artorius will be bidding to follow his sire Flying Artie who took out the race in 2016.
Freedman said the stable had not had to do a lot with Artorius since the Guineas adding the colt had freshened up well for Saturday’s race.
“He’s very well and coming back from the mile to the six furlongs we haven’t had to do a lot with him,” Freedman said.
“We’ve had him out in the paddock during the day and given him a nice and easy trot and canter in the morning. He’s done one piece of work but he’s bouncing out of his skin and is ready to go.
“It’s an experiment we are willing to try coming back to the six furlongs. His straight-line speed is an asset of his and we think he can show that on Saturday.”
The Freedman stable is also giving Extreme Flight his chance in Saturday’s race, and like his stablemate is coming back in distance.
A Moe maiden winner three starts back, Extreme Flight scored at Sandown on September 25 before winning the Listed Gothic Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on October 16 at his last start.
“He may not have the class of an Artorius, but he’s in very good form,” Freedman said.