The Trial Files
The Trial Files team look toward the Brisbane Winter
The G1 JJ Atkins, formerly known as the TJ Smith, has long been considered the premier 2yo race of the Brisbane Winter Carnival.
Dominated in recent years by Gai Waterhouse with Romantic Touch and Almalad winning, it’s no surprise to see the first lady of Australian racing having a few ready to head north again this year for the 1600m feature.
While no champions have won this race in recent years, the honour roll is strong with the likes of Show A Heart, Mossman, Mahogany, Slight Chance, Zeditave and Luskin Star all taking the trophy.
Let’s look at some potential JJ Atkins entries based on some recent trials.
NOTE: Some like Allision and Destination Tucson are running the Claret Stakes at Hawkesbury tomorrow and that race has produced some nice horses of the past.
1. Allision - $21 Filly by NEW APPROACH (John O’Shea)
SUMMARY - (Warwick Farm April 10) Settled just worse than midfield on the back of the stable mate. Sprinted well down the outside when asked for an effort in what was a nice effort. Time the concern but did it on the back of a slow tempo. Trial suggests she will be able to get the mile, as does her breeding.
SUMMARY - (Randwick March 31) – Ended up a huge distance from the leader in the run. Made up a stack of ground in the concluding stages and flashed to run third. Ran through the line well in what was an eye-catching piece of work. Clearly has ability and may be worth following on debut. Bred to run a mile at least.
3. Admirabeel - $31 Gelding by SAVABEEL (Peter Moody)
SUMMARY - (Cranbourne April 27) – Worked through along the inside and held the fence in a share of the lead. Ground home to the line under riding from Nolen. Whip applied. Fought on gamely and did enough to hold on but time only moderate. Bred along some middle distance lines and Moody has had luck already with Savabeels in G1 miles juveniles this season.
4. Harlem River - $41 Filly by FASTNET ROCK (Gai Waterhouse)
SUMMARY - (Randwick March 16) – Worked forward to lead, three or four off the fence. Urged along throughout and fell in. Fought on reasonably and didn’t fall away after the line. Under plenty of pressure but ok here. Best Fastnet Rocks have generally been fillies.
5. Malaahy - $41 Filly by MEDAGLIA D'ORO (Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes)
SUMMARY - (Warwick Farm April 24) – Daughter of Medaglia D’Oro having her first trial. She missed the start here by about half a length before drifting back to settle a long last. Worked through along the inside. Ridden around the turn to pick up ground and did enough in the run home. Best work late. Nice enough piece of work for further perhaps. Sire produced the Slipper winner this year.
So throughout the week check out The Trial Files for Trial Reviews, Blackbook features and Recommended selections. Racing And Sports will also utilise some of their information on our site.
