Sir Artie produced a brilliant finishing burst at Eagle Farm on Saturday, sweeping past his rivals to record the eighth victory of his highly consistent career.
Photo: Darren Winningham
The talented six-year-old lined up as the $2.60 favourite in the $85,000 Cricks Highway Open Handicap over 1400 metres following two encouraging performances at Rosehill, and he made the most of his first appearance at Eagle Farm.
Jumping cleanly from barrier four under jockey Ben Thompson, Sir Artie was allowed to find his feet towards the rear of the field. Although he raced keenly through the early stages, Thompson remained patient and had the gelding travelling in eighth position approaching the 800-metre mark.
Sir Artie was still back in seventh as the field approached the home turn, but Thompson gradually angled him into clear running and gave him the opportunity to build momentum.
Photo: Darren Winningham
Once balanced in the straight, Sir Artie unleashed an outstanding turn of foot. Wearing the famous Triple Crown red silks, he charged down the outside, quickly gathered in the leaders and swept to the front before powering through the line for a dominant win.
The victory was a deserved reward following Sir Artie’s two excellent efforts in Sydney earlier in the preparation. He had finished fourth over 1300 metres and fifth over 1400 metres at Rosehill despite settling well back, from wide barriers and carrying significantly more weight on both occasions. The decision to send him north and take advantage of a better gate and his 52.5kg allocation at Eagle Farm proved a masterstroke from the Archibald Racing and Triple Crown team.
Saturday’s success improved Sir Artie’s career record to eight wins and three placings from 31 starts, with his prizemoney climbing to $376,215. It was also his fourth victory over 1400 metres which has become is pet distance.
Photo: Darren Winningham
A son of Flying Artie out of Charity Belle, Sir Artie was purchased by Triple Crown for just $140,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and has proven another outstanding and durable selection for his ownership group.
Congratulations to Annabel and Rob Archibald, jockey Ben Thompson and Sir Artie’s loyal owners: Triple Crown Syndications, J Ivankovic, D L King, Kiwi Hunter, D Wilden-Constantin, Sordello 5, G F Radloff, B F McArdle, H M Cunynghame, Wishin & Hopin Racing, K P Davey, B Nelson, R G Edge, A Clark, J A Hagger, Horseome, J R Moffitt, Boorowa Bolters and P Quilty.