They’ve each shown different flashes of talent, but one thing unites Artemex, The Next Episode and Spicy Miss – they all represent Ciaron Maher’s hope of capturing Saturday’s $1 million Inglis Golden Gift (1100m) at Rosehill.
ARTEMEX
THE NEXT EPISODE
SPICY MISS
Each brings something different to the table: Artemex is a precocious colt with race smarts, The Next Episode appears a determined competitor with attitude, and Spicy Mix a big filly still on the way up.
It’s been a winning week already for the Maher stable, following their Big Dance trifecta on Tuesday, where Dynamic Syndications galloper Lugh ran a gutsy third picking up $300,000 for our owners.
For the 2yo’s at Rosehill on Saturday, this assignment demands a new level of precision – and plenty of faith in raw ability.
ARTEMEX as a yearling 31/1/25
Artemex an Exceed And Excel ex Artemis Rose colt, was purchased by Dynamic Syndications / Dean Watt Bloodstock at the Magic Millions from the Newgate Farm draft for $120,000 and is the $3.70 favourite. Artemex is very closely related to Champion 2yo and Golden Slipper Winner FORENSICS. He is a 3/4 Brother to Volatile who ran third in the Golden Gift two seasons ago.
In early training 27/6/25
ARTEMEX whispers to Adam Watt from Dynamic that he was a natural 2yo (7/7/25)
Artemex heads the trio as the most professional of the lot. He’s had two Bong Bong jump outs that laid the base foundations before his sole public trial win at Warwick Farm, where Nash Rawiller guided him through traffic and asked for a quicken late.
Assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord said. “He takes everything in his stride which early in the season is very important. He’s a mature colt, both physically and mentally. His attitude is his biggest asset. The colt trialled with the Golden Gift in mind, and his tidy win (only a neck in it, but efficient throughout) confirmed that he’d earned his place. He only needed one experience, and it’s like he knows,” Gerard-Dubord added.
The Next Episode, by Snitzel ex Humma Humma, cost a massive $2.8 million, the second highest priced yearling at the Magic Millions and appears a street fighter among the trio. His barrier trial win came a week before Artemex’s and was preceded by a sharp Melbourne jump out that suggested the trip north.
“He quickened in his trial and was left in front by himself a long way out,” said Gerard-Dubord. “Jason (Collett) felt there was a bit more there and he would have learned from that. More than anything, it’s his spirit that stands out. He’s very competitive. When he’s head-to-head, he wants to win. He’s one of those horses that will fight if he has to.”
Spicy Miss is still learning the ropes. The Exceedance filly cost $150,000 at the Magic Millions and trialled 0.13s slower than The Next Episode on the same morning. “She’s got plenty of size, and there’s more to come. Once she got her head in front, she had a bit of a look. She’s earned her place,” Gerard-Dubord said.
The Maher trio are having their first starts and will give away race experience to the likes of Kirkham Plate winner Thill Hunter, Defenseman the $1.4m yearling who was third on debut to Thrill Hunter whilst Revengeance finished third in the Breeders Plate.
Whilst typical early speed is expected to come from the Waterhouse & Bott duo, it looks a race that should be run at a fast tempo with exposed race and trial indicators of each runner suggesting they all will want prominent positions. With only 5 runners having race experience and 9 debutants it is a fascinating event.
Dynamic Syndications take this opportunity to suggest to our owners of ARTEMEX they enjoy the experience of the day ahead. All the boxes are ticked, and everything points to him being ready to deliver a professional performance.