BARRIER REQUEST IN FOR ARTORIUS

Freedman lodges barrier request for Artorious

Trainer Sam Freedman wants to have conditions set for his runner and has decided to lodge an application to have Artorious loaded late into the barriers when he tackles the Group One Platinum Jubilee Stakes over 1207m.

Artorius heads to the UK on Wednesday alongside the Chris Waller trained pair of Nature Strip and Newmarket Handicap winner Home Affairs.

Freedman’s request isn’t out of the ordinary and as a late load request is part of the British racing rules and regulations.

Standard load practices in the UK follow the pattern of odd barriers first then even numbered barriers and then any exemptions.

“We think going in late and keeping him moving behind the gates keeps him active,” Freedman said.

“Hopefully it’s granted, I think the less time he spends in the gates the better he seems to begin, so that’s something we’re hoping for.”

Known for being tardy away from the gates, the late load should keep Artorious switched on, according to Freedman.

“When he gets in there he's such a relaxed horse he just switches off,” Freedman said.

“It’s a really good trait of his (being relaxed) but it works against him when the gates open.

“If he begins on terms he can be two or three lengths closer than he normally is … (and) hopefully he finishes two or three lengths closer than he normally does.”

Artorious has not won since a barn-storming finish in the Blue Diamond Stakes in 2021 and sits as a $13 shot to win the Platinum Jubilee Stakes. 

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