Stakes win for Artorius

The three-year-old son of Arrogate recorded his first blacktype win in the Listed Curlin Stakes at Saratoga on Friday (29th July).

Taken from the Thoroughbred Daily News, 30th July 2022:

Juddmonte homebred and 'TDN Rising Star' Artorius, a very promising maiden winner second out going a one-turn mile at Belmont (10th June), potentially punched his ticket to the Gr.1 Travers Stakes with an eye-catching victory in Friday's Curlin Stakes at Saratoga.

Drawn widest of all in post eight while making his two-turn debut in this nine furlong affair, the 5-2 chance tucked in to race in a perfect spot in a ground-saving fourth. Locked and loaded beneath Irad Ortiz, Jr. on far turn, he was tipped out at the quarter pole and took off impressively in the stretch to win for fun. Gilded Age was second and favored Gr.1 Preakness Stakes third-place finisher Creative Minister completed the trifecta.

"We were pretty high on the horse and he was doing super," winning trainer Chad Brown said. "He got a late start but we always liked the horse. I can't say enough appreciation for Juddmonte."

Brown continued: "I always thought he could be in the conversation with some of my better three-year-olds getting on the Derby trail and he just had a few minor things, but we were patient with him. To see him finally start to develop, albeit late, hopefully a little like his father [Arrogate], maybe better late than never. If he can show up on the big day like his sire did, I would be honored."

As for a potential start in the Travers, Brown said: "If he comes out of it in good shape. That was the point of this; to get him around two turns over the track to get him a good prep for the Travers."

Artorius becomes the fourth blacktype winner for his brilliant and late second-crop sire Arrogate.