King Colorado rules in the G1 JJ Atkins Stakes

From two-year-olds to stayers, Ciaron Maher openly admits to having had a phenomenal 2023 in races at the highest level and King Colorado provide another group one win for the stable in the JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) for juveniles at Eagle Farm.

Backed from $51 into a starting price of $15, Jason Collett steered the colt by Kingman to victory ny a length over the Paul Messara-trained Miracle Of Love ($7.50), with race favourite Tannhauser ($4.80) a quarter-of-a-length away in third.

“It’s unbelievable,” Maher said.

“It’s Dave (Eustace) and I with our name there but it is the team behind us, too.”

Also admitting that this was a roll of the dice challenge for King Colorado who won this event at this third start, Maher was confident that he would conquer the mile journey.

“He’s just started to do things right. I know it was only a maiden win last start but early on in his trials he used to do things wrong, he used to light up and switch off,” he added.

“Jason Collet, an unbelievable ride. He was back further than what I thought. I was cursing him a bit early but the team have done a fantastic job. This whole year has been unbelievable and I’m very proud of them.”

For Collett, calling Queensland home has been one his most positive career moves.”I’m loving it up here,” he said.

“I’m having a lot of success so it’s great.

:He got into a lovely rhythm. When I clicked him, the amount of horse I had, I was kind of surprised as I wasn’t anticipating that.”

James McDonald said of the Tannhauser, “He ran so well. He just got a bit too far back but made a good run”.