Artorius confirmed for Royal Ascot

THE Newgate Farm and China Horse Club-owned Artorius, last season’s Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner, has been confirmed for the Platinum Jubilee at Royal Ascot and the July Cup at Newmarket.

“He’s having two weeks off before he heads to Royal Ascot,” said co-trainer Sam Freedman of the Flying Artie colt who was a last start sixth in the Newmarket Handicap, three lengths from the winner. A similar path is also being followed with the Coolmore-owned Home Affairs. The I Am Invincible colt was ninth in the Newmarket.

Homebred filly wins New Zealand Oaks

THE Burgundy filly Belle En Rouge led home a Jamie Richards-trained one-two in the New Zealand Oaks at Trentham on Saturday, winning by a half-length from the Shocking filly Self Obsession.

“I’m quite taken aback, really, as it’s just such a special thrill to breed an Oaks’ winner,” said Te Akau’s David Ellis. “We syndicated her to some really good clients and although she didn’t race as a two-year-old she’s been a revelation this season.”

The Levin Classic for three-year-olds over a mile was also held at Trentham and proved a triumph for Jamie Richards, training the first four across the line. The I Am Invincible filly Imperatriz took the Group 1 honours ahead of the Brazen Beau gelding On The Bubbles and the Savabeel gelding I Wish I Win.

“She was brilliant today,” said Richards. “She’s a very good filly, and I’m very proud of her.” Purchased for A$360,000 at the Magic Millions, Imperatriz becomes the 12th Group 1 winner for I Am Invincible.