I Am Artie set to meet another challenge

By Glenn Davis

In-form sprinter I Am Artie has met every challenge from trainer Paul Jenkins but his biggest may still be ahead.

I Am Artie is unbeaten in four starts for Jenkins and will be out to extend his winning sequence in the Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1200 metres at Doomben on Wednesday.

Jenkins believes I Am Artie has a bright future but is in no rush for him to find his way into open company.

But, ultimately, the Caloundra-based trainer believes I Am Artie has the potential to measure up in the highest grade in the future.

“He’s got the makings of a very good horse,” Jenkins said.

“I’ve been careful placing him in his races and he’s gone through the grades quickly from a Class 1 horse to metropolitan grade.

“He’s still a novice but he’s got a lot of ability.”

Despite the rail being out 10.5 metres at Doomben, Jenkins is confident I Am Artie can make it five wins on the trot.

“He’s got good tactical speed and a good turn of foot and he likes to lead or sit just off them so he should be right in the finish,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins knows how to train a Group 1 winner having done it three times at the highest level.

He won the Group 1 Doomben Cup with King Keitel in 2001 before later claiming the Group 1 Auckland Cup and Group 1 Zabeel Classic with Bazelle in 2005.

“There’s no plans for him just yet but if he goes well on Wednesday then there might be a Listed race for him over the Queensland Summer Racing Carnival,” Jenkins said.

“I’d like to give him a decent break after that and aim him for the Queensland winter. 

“I think 1400 to 1600 metres is going to suit him later on and he’s a chance of making it to Group 1 level.”

I Am Artie started his career with Caloundra trainer Alan Jones before having a year off following his sixth to Knight’s Choice in a 1600 metre Benchmark race at the Sunshine Coast on June 11 last year.

The son of Artie Schiller had his first start for Jenkins when successful in a 1200 metre Benchmark race at the Sunshine Coast in August before two more Sunshine Coast wins to complete a hat-trick of victories.

He made it four straight when taken to the city for only the second time in his career when he led all the way for a commanding win in a 1200 metre Benchmark 70 at Eagle Farm on September 14.