Highvol bound for Brisbane for 2025 JJ Atkins Stakes

Undefeated youngster Highvol will now head north to Brisbane for a tilt at Group company after adding Saturday’s Trevor Clarke Handicap (1400m) at Flemington to his growing resume.

Trained by Nick Ryan, Highvol justified favouritism as the $3.10 betting companies pick with Ethan Brown in the saddle. He held off Buccleuch ($12) by three-quarters of a length, with Warrior Smile ($13) closing late for third.

The son of Hellbent is now booked to fly to Queensland on Tuesday night, pending a clean post-race recovery.

“Fingers crossed he pulls up well and he’s on the plane into Queensland on Tuesday night,” Ryan said.

“He’ll be a late nomination for the Sires’ on Monday, so he’ll run in the Sires’ in two weeks and then into the J J Atkins.

“There’s a lot of upside. I’ve cruised along with him knowing he’s got a big four weeks ahead.

“We’ve just ticked a box getting through soft conditions today and he can put himself in a winning position, so that’s a second box ticked.

“Now we’ve just got to get him up there healthy and fit.”

Highvol’s targets are the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes on May 31 and the Group 1 J J Atkins on June 14 at Eagle Farm.

While Ryan hasn’t ruled out the Caulfield Guineas in spring, he acknowledged it’s often a tough turnaround for horses coming out of Brisbane campaigns.

“It’s a quick turnaround from the J J Atkins to the Caulfield Guineas,” Ryan said.

“Not many horses have a good record at coming back for it. Look at Broadsiding last year.

“It’s all performance based and how he pulls up. If not, we may look at a late spring and then on to the autumn.”

Follow Highvol’s progress and access early markets for his Brisbane targets via leading Australian betting sites.