All options open
for War Artist
A decision is likely this week as to which sprint route War Artist will take following his gallant effort in the Darley July Cup.
The South African import was third in the Newmarket Group One after finishing second in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The five-year-old's connections will discuss whether to continue to campaign him in Europe, possibly followed by a crack at the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, or prepare him for the Global Sprint Challenge Series on the other side of the world later in the year.
"Tim Jones (the owners' European racing manager) and I will have to sit down this week and decide what route we might take," said trainer James Eustace.
"The two ways of going are Europe, and possibly the new Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, or maybe one more run here and then go for some of the Global Sprint Challenge races.
"We had thought of going for the second of two races in Japan (Sprinters Stakes) in October and then go to Australia for theirs (Age Classic).
"However, I spoke to a representative from the Victoria Racing Club and he told me that Japan and Australia have issues over equine influenza and they might not let horses into Australia direct from Japan. That would put the mockers on that plan.
"The alternative would be to give him one more run over here, maybe in the Nunthorpe say, then go for the Australia race in November and Hong Kong(Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint) in December.
"There are several permutations."
Eustace reported War Artist to be in good form following Friday's exertions.
"He seems fine after the race. He ran really well and I'm delighted with him," he added.
"If anything he seems to be getting quicker and if he carries on running like that there must have a big win in him."
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