JJ Atkins Tips - Broadsiding backed for Group 1 glory at Eagle Farm

Adam Cusworth

Editor

Last updated: 14 Jun 2024

Share

Adam Cusworth 14 Jun 2024

Share this article

2024 JJ Atkins Stakes Preview highlights key contenders
Broadsiding, top pick, shines from Sires Produce Stakes
Bittercreek offers value as a roughie

Expired

Broadsiding (Getty Images)

The JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) is one of two Group 1 races at Eagle Farm and is for horses aged two.

Broadsiding is one of seven contenders in the field of 14 that come out of the Sires Produce Stakes (1400m) that was held at Eagle Farm on June 1.

The son of Too Darn Hot is one of three last start winners that come into this race and will be out to provide the Godolphin team with Group 1 success with that stable saddling up the favourite for the Stradbroke Handicap, Vilana, later in the day.

2024 JJ Atkins Stakes Preview

The Sires Produce is always one of the key lead ups towards this race and Broadsiding settled back in the Group 2 race on June 1 but was able to overcome the slow tempo to rattle home with the fastest last 800m, 600m, 400m and 200m. That came despite being posted wide throughout.

Zouna drew barrier 18 and was also posted out before filling the exacta. He was no match for the winner that day but it was a solid performance all the same.

It is hard to make a case for a number of the beaten brigade to turn the tables, given that Broadsiding should only improve out to the 1600m.

He has had two starts at the distance for two wins, including the Group 1 Champagne Stakes at the Sydney Carnival. Other to come out of the Sires Produce are Bittercreek, Smashing Time and El Morzillo.

Bittercreek worked from the wide gate to settle handy before sticking on for 4th. Smashing Time was held up briefly in the straight and was 5th.

El Morzillo was caught in the slower part of the track, running 7th. She was 4th behind the likes of Eneeza and the Golden Slipper (1200m) winner, Lady Of Camelot, in the autumn but might need slightly shorter.

Imperialist is another last start winner and is on the short back-up after winning over the 1500m at Eagle Farm last Saturday in the Phoenix.

The son of Churchill might have a bit of upside, while he has the Chris Waller polish. The leading trainer has claimed this race on three occasions. Aemelius was forward in that race before being run down late.

2024 JJ Atkins Stakes Tips

Best Bet - Broadsiding

Hard to go past Broadsiding, who has the form on the board. He is at a short quote and is one that we can bank into multi’s and quaddies on the day.

The James Cummings-trained galloper looked a class above them when claiming the Group 1 Champagne Stakes ahead of Linebacker earlier this preparation with those two putting a big gap on the 3rd horse.

He had a six-week freshen up before his Sires Produce win and I suspect that he will be peaking again for this race.

Value Bet - Bittercreek

Best roughie might be Bittercreek. The Leon & Troy Corstens-trained galloper from Victoria also comes out of the Sires Produce and worked hard in the early stages to settle handy after drawing barrier 14.

Those that sat on the speed in that lead up all punctured badly in the run home but the son of Snitzel did well to stick on in the dying stages to land just over a length away as the swoops came fast and hard.

He is the one that the money has come for since the barrier draw and the son of Snitzel is expected to settle in the first few in a race that does look to lack pressure up front.

Blake Shinn rides and strikes at 23% for the stable, providing a 22% profit on turnover for punters.