Artemis Agrotera, who won the Ballerina Stakes (gr. I) and Gallant Bloom Handicap (gr. II) last year before finishing seventh as one of the favorites in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (gr. I), could potentially give the Filly & Mare Sprint another try this year despite not having run since last year’s Breeders’ Cup.
On the morning of October 12th, Artemis Agrotera breezed five furlongs from the starting gate at Belmont Park in a quick :59.11 seconds, the fastest time of the morning at that distance. According to the Belmont Park Notes for October 12th, trainer Mike Hushion is seriously thinking of running Artemis Agrotera in the October 31st Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland off a one-year layoff.
“It is an ambitious leap but I think she deserves it,” said Hushion. “Talent-wise, she’s one of the best in the country. From the moment she came back she’s been working brilliantly, and had me scratching my head, wondering what I was going to do with her. Every time she’s gone out, she’s been better.”
“I think I can have her fit enough to run seven furlongs,” said Hushion. “As far as definite plans, we’ll have to see how she is tomorrow morning, what’s available transportation-wise, and so on. But she’s very, very good.”
