Anthony and Sam Freedman believe jockey Jamie Spencer’s knowledge of the Royal Ascot course and his riding style will benefit Artorius when the sprinter represents Australia at Royal Ascot.
The training partners confirmed the booking of the champion rider on Thursday with stable representative Brad Taylor saying they thought about using an Australian jockey but felt Spencer would be a good fit for the horse.
“We had the choice of taking a rider from here but just thought the local experience would be really key with a horse like him,” Taylor told SEN.
“He is going to get back in the field and Jamie has a terrific record on those backmarkers. He is a nice, strong rider.”
Last year’s Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner, Artorius will contest the Platinum Jubilee (1200m) at Royal Ascot on June 18 and will be joined at the famous carnival by the Chris Waller-trained pair of Nature Strip and Home Affairs.
He will have a jump out against Nature Strip at Flemington towards the end of May and is due to leave for the UK on June 1.
“He will be ready to go once he gets on the plane so we can just tick him over once he gets up there,” Taylor said.
The three-year-old was placed at the top level in the Caulfield Guineas and Coolmore Stud Stakes during the spring and has finished sixth at his two most recent appearances in the Rubiton Stakes and Newmarket Handicap.
The stable believes the testing straight courses in England will suit the colt, who has a lethal finishing sprint.