Consolation win for Articus at Flemington

An aborted trip to Brisbane for imported galloper Articus has paid dividends for Brad Rawiller at Flemington.

Articus had to settle for a consolation win in the Chairman’s Club Handicap (1800m) on Saturday after being withdrawn from the AD Hollindale Stakes on the Gold Coast.

The French-bred stallion was already aboard a Brisbane-bound plane when he was offloaded to make room for other cargo.

Articus will attempt a second trip to Brisbane for the Group One Doomben Cup on May 20.

Ridden by Brad Rawiller, Articus was backed from $8 to $6 before scoring by a length from Haradafull ($5), with Show A Star ($9.50) a further 2-1/4 lengths away third.

Articus came to Australia with German trainer Andreas Wohler for the 2016 Caulfield Cup, finishing 13th to Jameka.

Banner error, could not find casino id "william-hill-sport"

He remained in Australia with Darren Weir and had his first start for the Ballarat-based horseman in the Victoria Handicap, finishing 13th to Hooked at Caulfield on April 15.

Rawiller said Articus was in a different league to his rivals on Saturday.

“The race worked out beautifully for him,” Rawiller said.

“Before the turn I had him stoked and ready to fire and I didn’t expect him to pick them up that quick.

“Over the last bit it was a matter of keeping him interested. I was switching the whip over left and right, making sure he didn’t clock right off.

“It’s all good for the future.”

The $4.20 favourite, War Legend, finished a weakening eighth but bled from both nostrils, incurring an automatic three-month ban from racing.