It was at the same time last year, less one day, when the Anthony and Same Freedman stable set Artorius on a debut task at Geelong where the smart colt finished second in a two-year-old maiden.
The next two starts delivered an impressive win at Sandown and then victory in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m).
At Caulfield on Saturday, they’ll launch the racing career Philosopher in the Ann Kilkenny Handicap (1000m) for two-year-olds.
“He’s fast and he’s naturally a bit more forward,” Sam Freedman told RSN.
“He knows his job a little bit better than what Artious did at the same time.”
Despite just one official trial over 800 metres back in September where Philosopher finished last in a field of five on a Heavy 9 rated track at Cranbourne, the colt by Zoustar hasn’t been missed in early betting firming from $2.70 to $2.25 favourite with TAB.
The winner of the trial was Rampant Lion who later placed in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on 2 October.
As for Philosopher, how the horse handles the race day experience will be key but the comparison to their star of last season provides added confidence particularly with Damien Oliver aboard.
“They’re slightly different horses but he’s very fast,” Freedman said.