Solid barrier trials at Cranbourne on Tuesday have confirmed the autumn kick-
Flying Artie will resume in the Lightning Stakes and Extreme Choice in the Oakleigh Plate after both pleased trainer Mick Price with their efforts on a heavy track.
Damien Oliver was aboard Flying Artie, which led most of the way in heat one over 800m in 45.75 seconds, edged out late by Heatherly inside the final 50m to be beaten a half neck with Illustrious Lad a tenderly handled third, two lengths away.
Extreme Choice led clearly around the bend in heat two before being eased inside the final 50m to defeat So Si Bon by a neck in the time of 46.53 seconds.
Despite the difference in time, trainer Mick Price was satisfied with both Group I-winning colts.
"Both have had a nice day out, trip away from home sparked them up which was the plan and they were pretty good," Price said.
"The track is probably nearer heavy than soft but for Flying Artie to break 46 (seconds) is a good effort. He's had a bit of a blow which is good."
Price said the son of Artie Schiller has come back bigger and stronger from his spring break.
"I'm pretty happy with him - he's had a beautiful prep and he's going well," Price said.
"I've got two more chances to gallop him before then so it's all good so far."
Extreme Choice has not raced since finishing fifth behind Flying Artie in the Group I Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on October 29 and Price said the son of Not A Single Doubt had an easy trial.
"He didn't have as much of a test speed-wise and Craig (Newitt) said he was in front that long he pricked his ears and eased up before the post," Price.
"He's good, he's pretty fit. He's a clean-winded horse but first-up in the Oakleigh Plate he'd want to be because most of those that run it will have already had a run somewhere else.
"He'll trial again next week at Caulfield and he'll be pretty spot on."
