Chris Waller pressing for fourth G1 JJ Atkins Stakes win
The Brisbane carnival is in full effect and trainer Chris Waller will be hoping to post a fourth victory in the $1 million JJ Atkins at Eagle Farm next weekend.
He has tasted success in the Group One feature with The Autumn Sun in 2018, Press Statement in 2015 and Pressday in 2010 and the champion conditioner has assembled another crack team of two-year-olds to add to his ever-growing stakes tally.
His Dundeel colt Tannhauser heads into the race following a fast-finishing Randwick victory last Saturday and Waller sees some comparisons to another juvenile of his that came good at the backend of this year’s Sydney autumn carnival.
“His win the other day was something special and he’s settled in well and he’s thriving,” Waller said.
“There’s a bit of (dual-Group One winner) Militarize about him, he’s got his confidence and gone to a whole new level.
“He went into his win at Randwick last week with a bit of confidence because we were seeing good things at home. Obviously, luck in running is a big thing but he showed last start he can come from the back and James (Mcdonald) will ride him.”
Waller will also saddle up his colt Chrysaor who has spent the majority of time at his Queensland operation. The son of Better Than Ready has had all but one of six runs to date up north and Waller believes the 1600m will be to his liking.
“He’s come through the Sires Produce run (3rd) really well, he didn’t have any luck at all,” Waller lamented.
“I don’t think the mile will be a problem, just tossing up whether he needs the blinkers as he was a touch aggressive last start.
“We’ll make that decision Tuesday morning, Nash (Rawiller) is going up to ride him and he’ll be on him on Saturday.
“He’s ready to run a mile once we tinker with his gear. He’s a genuine top-three chance and could easily win the race.”
Waller isn’t ruling out running his colt Congregation either on the back of a narrow victory at Rosehill yesterday. The Snitzel progeny showed great tenacity to hold off stablemate Tutta La Vita in a stirring finish over 1300m and may replicate his winner of the JJ Atkins in 2015.
“We might consider it, we’ll talk with Coolmore early next week,” Waller said.
“We did the same thing with Press Statement, he won this race and went up seven days later.
“It’s not easy but he’s a very good horse and we’ll give it serious consideration.”
All three Waller runners are well in the All-In betting markets with Tannhauser equal favourite at $6 and Chrysaor and Congregation not far behind at the $8 quote.
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