The JJ Atkins is the first of two Group 1 feature races set to be run and won at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The final major race for two-year-olds of the season, the JJ Atkins has been used a springboard for juveniles on the way to champion status in years gone by, and winners include The Autumn Sun, Press Statement and Mahogany.
Who will join that illustrious list this year? Read on to my 2023 JJ Atkins Tips for my insight!
Suggested Bets
- 4 Units straight out #6 Tannhauser
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
JJ Atkins – Winner
Chris Waller’s ability to set a horse for this race, turn up and win it is second-to-none, and I think that Tannhauser will continue his impressive run in the JJ Atkins.
Tannhauser has only made four appearances at the races so far, but he has continued to improve noticeably with each, culminating in an eye-catching win over 1400m at Randwick last time out.
This is obviously the toughest task that he has been set, but breeding suggests he’ll improve noticeably at a mile, while a good barrier and the booking of James McDonald adds further confidence.
Suggested Bet: No. 6 Tannhauser
JJ Aktins – 2nd
I think that a China Horse Club quinella is on the cards in the JJ Atkins, and Snapback can return another big performance in the Group 1 feature.
Snapback is yet to break his maiden, but he is also yet to miss placing, and he was last seen finishing second in the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce here a fortnight ago.
He’s another galloper that looks as though he’ll be suited to the mile, and Mark Zahra understandably keep the ride in the JJ.
Suggested Bet: No. 3 Snapback
JJ Atkins – 3rd
Cifrado has been an absolute fairytale for veteran Toowoomba horseman Rex Lipp, and he once again looks a bit of value in JJ Atkins betting ($13 at publish).
He’s hardly put a hoof wrong since making his debut back in summer, and Cifrado returned to action with a dominant win at Ipswich back in April.
Since then, he’s filled the minors in the Dalrello Stakes before winning both the Champagne Classic and the BRC Sires’, and he steps out this week in peak order.
If this horse has C. Waller next to his name, he probably starts a clear favourite in betting, and he is a live chance of delivering on his big quote again this week.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Cifrado
JJ Atkins – 4th
Gai Waterhouse’s record in two-year-old feature races is also outstanding, and Azula rates as a key winning chance for the stable in the JJ Atkins.
Azula raced greenly on debut at Warwick Farm back in April but has not taken a backwards step since, winning each of her two subsequent starts, including a Listed race here last week.
She too steps out this week a picture of health, and just need some luck after drawing a little wider than some of her leading rivals.
Suggested Bet: No. 14 Azula
