Artemis Agrotera steps back for confidence builder
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Despite bringing her back off a seven-month layoff in a Grade 1 stakes, trainer Mike Hushion was very confident in Artemis Agrotera heading into the Acorn Stakes on June 7. Much to Hushion’s surprise, Artemis Agrotera, winner of last year’s Grade 1 Frizette, finished eighth in the Acorn.
Wednesday, Artemis Agrotera takes a significant drop in class when she runs in a $78,000 second-level optional-claiming race for New York-breds going seven furlongs at Saratoga.
“I was very disappointed in her last race, couldn’t put my finger on anything specific why she hasn’t been firing,” Hushion said. “I just changed her training a little bit. Hopefully, that will be enough. This seems like a perfect spot for distance and timing.”
Hushion said he trained Artemis Agrotera less aggressively out of the Acorn. Artemis Agrotera had been working very swiftly going into the Acorn.
“I just wanted to change, do something different,” Hushion said.
Artemis Agrotera won her career debut here against New York-breds by 11 3/4 lengths last August, her only start against statebreds.
Hushion’s top older female My Wandy’s Girl, winner of the Barbara Fritchie Handicap in February, worked a half-mile in 49.41 seconds Monday morning in preparation for next Monday’s Grade 2 Honorable Miss.