Trots Centre: Artiste ready to perform on the big stage

Like many young squaregaiters, Parisian Artiste is far from the finished product. But that doesn’t mean he can’t step up and win a big race right here, right now.

That’s the thoughts of his trainer Alex Ashwood, who says the son of Love You has the ability to strike a blow in this month’s Breeders Crown Series or Vicbred Super Series later in the year.

It’s no shock to hear Ashwood’s confidence given some of the three-year-old’s recent performances, most notably his barnstorming finale in a heat of the Victoria Trotters Derby when he rocketed home from back in the field to finish third. It was enough for him to start a well-fancied $3.80 chance in the Group 1 final a week later, but he galloped his way out of contention when starting a run during the last lap.

“I think he’s pretty good,” Ashwood said.

“At the moment he’s still learning his craft, but when he matures mentally and physically, I think he can take the next step and go all the way to open free-for-all.

“But in saying that, he has to keep improving and just get better and better all the time.”

Parisian Artiste was bred by Yabby Dam Farms and trained by Anton Golino in his early days before being offered up for sale as a maiden. It was an offer too good to refuse for Ashwood, who teamed up with Aaron Bain Racing and Summit Bloodstock to purchase the colt.

He raced in Kate Hargreaves’ name while Ashwood worked in partnership with the Shelbourne horsewoman, but is now in the care of the Bendigo trainer.

“I drove (Parisian Artiste) for (Golino) before we bought it at Maryborough. He sat behind the leader and galloped and did things wrong, but he actually felt quite nice and had a nice easy gait on him. So he covered the ground nice and good,” Ashwood recalls.

“Myself, Aaron Bain and Summit Bloodstock, we weren’t hesitant to purchase him and snap him up pretty quick.

“I think he came out in his first preparation for us and won his bonus, then he started doing things wrong again and then we got him gelded. He’s come back this time in and he’s been a different horse… he’s been more focused and went to the next level again.”

Parisian Artiste heads into Thursday’s Breeders Crown three-year-old trotting colts and geldings’ heat at Maryborough as one of the clear winning chances. He will start from barrier three for driver Tayla French and Ashwood is confident of a bold showing.

“He’s got a good draw,” Ashwood said of the three-time winner.

“He’s off the front row so he’ll come out under his own steam, probably work forward and hopefully find the front.

“If he finds the front, it’s going to take a very good horse to beat him. In saying that, there’s a horse out the back called Locksley Lover. He’s got loads of ability as well and when he puts it together, I think he’s going to be very, very good as well.

“It’s no walk in the park, but if I see him find the front easy enough, he’s going to take a lot of catching.”

All 10 races at Maryborough on Thursday are heats of the Crown, with two-year-old and three-year-old trotters stepping out in their respective divisions. Qualifiers will progress to Group 1 finals at Melton on November 20 when eight elite level races will contribute to almost $1.5 million in prizemoney handed out on the night.

LISTEN TO ASHWOOD ON TROTS TALK BELOW: