Artemis Agrotera May Return in Breeders' Cup

After dual grade I winner Artemis Agrotera breezed a sharp five furlongs in :59.11 from the gate at Belmont Park, trainer Mike Hushion said it's possible the filly would make her first start in a year in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (gr. I).

The Chester and Mary Broman homebred daughter of Roman Ruler is unraced since having finished seventh in the Filly & Mare Sprint Nov. 1 of last year. But Hushion believes she deserves an opportunity in this year's seven-furlong race Oct. 31 at Keeneland.

"It is an ambitious leap but I think she deserves it," Hushion said of the New York-bred 4-year-old. "Talent-wise, she's one of the best in the country. From the moment she came back she has been working brilliantly, and had me scratching my head, wondering what I was going to do with her. Every time she has gone out, she has been better."

Monday's breeze was the sixth since Artemis Agrotera returned to the worktab in September and her second straight bullet move, having covered five furlongs on a dull training track in 1:00.50 Oct. 5, fastest of 40 at the distance.

Artemis Agrotera won the Frizette Stakes (gr. I) in her second start as a 2-year-old, and last year put together a three-race win streak that included the Ballerina Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga Race Course and the grade II Gallant Bloom Handicap by a head over La Verdad.

"I think I can have her fit enough to run seven furlongs," Hushion said. "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."