Form analyst, RIC CHAPMAN, looks at every runner in Saturday’s $1million Gr 1 JJ Atkins with horse racing tips for the first four. Read on to see how he maps his South Aussie classic. Good luck!
Eagle Farm R7 – $1million Gr 1 JJ Atkins (2YO) 1600m
1. CIFRADO (7) 228×1311
T; Rex Lipp / J: Damien Thornton (57kg)
What an intriguing young star in the making. Just gets back, settles then turns for home and runs on like a train. Won Gr 2 Champagne over 1200m and then Gr 2 Sires’ over 1400m last start. The trip looks to suit too.
2. CHRYSAOR (13) 4140×13
T: Chris Waller/ J: Nash Rawiller (57kg)
Has talent and found best form. Scored an impressive maiden win at Gosford when coming hard late then beaten just on a length last start when 3rd to Cifrado and Snapback. Must be considered.
1. SNAPBACK (10) 2×332
T: Team Snowden / J; Mark Zahra (57kg)
So smart and is ready to win. Only a maiden but last start up on pace and fought hard for close 2nd to Cifrado in the Gr 2 Sires’ over 1400m. Very fit and ready.
4. MAKE A CALL (13) 4×32634256
T: Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted / J: Boris Thornton (57kg)
Is in peak form but is another one who has yet to win – this bloke in 9 starts. Was 2nd in the Fernhill this trip, 5th in the Gr 1 Champagne and was the eye-catcher when coming from 17th and 6th to Cifrado. Has claims.
5. CONGREGATION (5) 11
T: Chris Waller / J: Kerrin McEvoy (57kg)
Has class but is up in grade here. Won only two starts to date and latest was at Rosehill in open 2YO over 1300m. Was on pace most of the way too. Looks tough enough to be right in this.
6. TANNHAUSER (6) 3041
T: Chris Waller / J: James Mcdonald (57kg)
Is bred to get this journey. And last start ran home very hard to score open 2YO win at Randwick over 1400m. Will be running on.
7. FELIX THE SCAT (14) 53×1200
T: Team Hulbert / J: Mark Du Plessis (57kg)
Form was great until stepped up to Gr 1 level in the Champagne and ran last then near last in Sires’ last run. Not keen.
8. CHEVRON (16) 482×528
T: Kristen Buchanan /J: Craig Williams (57kg)
No a winner yet from 6 starts. Good hard run for 2nd in the Inglis Challenge over 1100m and last start beaten just on 2 lengths in the Sires’ behind Cifrado. Big ask stepping to a mile at this level though.
9. CALIFORNIAN (1) 13237
T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou /J: Ryan Maloney (57kg)
Has talent and could sneak a place. Beaten 3 lengths when carrying 4.5kg more behind the smart Azula over 1400m then up to that strong Sires’ field last start and beaten just under 2 lengths by Cifrado and Snapback.
10. SOLIDIFY (4) 3119
T: Team Rogerson / J: Ryan Elliot (57kg)
Stakes winner in NZ over 1200m but weakened to 9th in Sires’ last start. Not keen.
11. PURVEYOR (8) 122
T: Bevan Laming / J: Michael Cahill (57kg)
Only raced 4 times and is showing talent but is all up in grade here. Did run 2nd to the smart Brookhaven last start over 1650m. This will test.
12. KING COLORADO (3) 41
T: Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace /J: Jason Collett (57kg)
Massive step up in grade here but looked pretty special winning Kembla maiden when on speed. May well be up to this level.
13. TRIFLING (2) 452211435
T: Helen Page /J: Ben Thompson (55kg)
Is the dark horse in this field. She has loads of talent and maybe looking for this trip. Drew wide, went back and made rapid ground late when 5th to Cifrado last start in 1400m Gr 2 Sires’. Have in your numbers.
14. AZULA (11) 511
T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott / J: Tim Clark (55kg)
This filly is very smart and is improving every run. Probably is the pilot here and did that last start with a narrow but tough win in the 1500m Phoenix at stakes level beating Flying Trapeze. Certain to be in it for a long way.
15. MISS JOELENE (12) 14×184
T: Kelly Schweida / J: James Orman (55kg)
Is looking for this trip and her great 4th in the Gr 2 Sires’ behind Cifrado is testament to that. Likes to settle down but can really rush late. Is 4th up and very fit now. Keep safe.
16. WITHIN REASON (17) 4x128x80
T: Desleigh Forster / J: Linda Meech (55kg)
Wouldn’t win this with a head start.
17. MIRACLE OF LOVE (9) 31
T: Paul Messara/ J: Michael Dee (55kg)
Has talent and looks like she can stay. Finished off nicely to win 1300m maiden last start at Doomben. This is harder but is improving.
Bet Now 1. MISS JOELENE, 2. CIFRADO, 3. TRIFLING, 4. SNAPBACK