Chris Waller already has one of the favourites for the JJ Atkins Stakes but his stocks in the Group One race could soar even higher this weekend.
Press Statement, a half-brother to 2010 Atkins winner Pressday, will stake his claim for a start in the Brisbane feature when he runs at Rosehill.
The colt was scratched from Canterbury on Wednesday and connections accepted for races in Brisbane and Sydney on Saturday.
However, Waller has confirmed Press Statement will be going around in the Tab Place Multi Plate at his home track.
His performance there will determine whether he backs up seven days later and joins stablemate Counterattack in the Group One race.
“He would have to win well on Saturday plus pull up well to go to the JJ Atkins,” Waller said.
A good barrier draw and the set-weights conditions of Saturday’s race were among the factors that swayed the stable to run at Rosehill.
His seven rivals are all maidens while Press Statement won his only start at Canterbury last month.
“It just looks like common sense with good weather forecast,” Waller said.
Press Statement’s biggest threat could come from the Godolphin colt Shards.
Shards made ground to finish third behind Bring A Secret and Coys at his only start at Canterbury on May 13.
It is turning out to be significant form race with Bring A Secret finishing sixth in Saturday’s Group Two BTC Sires’ Produce Stakes when he raced on an inferior part of the track while Coys has since won at Randwick.
The Waller-trained Feast For Eyes finished fourth in the same race and also pressed his claim for inclusion in the stable’s JJ Atkins plans with a front-running win at Canterbury on Wednesday.
The youngster posted a 3-3/4 length victory over stablemate Encosta Line, the authority of the win providing his trainer with some food for thought.
“I think the (JJ Atkins) winner last year or the year before came out of this (Canterbury) race but it’s a big step,” Waller said.
“We will have a think about it and see where our cards sit after Saturday.”
