The first of the majors this Saturday at Eagle Farm is the JJ Atkins (1600m), with a near capacity field assembled.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 JJ Atkins Stakes.
2025 JJ Atkins Runner Preview:
1. Cool Archie: It’s hard to knock a horse that wins so you have to respect 1 Cool Archie given he has just kept winning and has been strong each time. He was dominant in the Sires two weeks ago and if he was wearing Godolphin blue, or trained by Waller, he’d be odds on. Hard to beat.
2. Grafterburners: Grafterburners has to be given another look on the firmer deck, the first time he finds dry ground this prep after two wet track runs to start the campaign, the latest being the BRC Sires when wide throughout and despite looming, the hard run told. He’s flying IMO and will eat up 1600m.
3. Farnicle: He will put himself on speed and give his all, as seen in the Sires, but just don’t think he has the class/quality to see it through at 1600m.
4. Call Da Vinci: I thought he was outstanding in the Sires. He got a fair way back but he worked home with real purpose when third. He gives every indication of appreciating 1600m and hopefully can get a drag into the race.
5. Torque To Be Sure: His run was full of merit in the Sires given he went around blind with all the kick back. The fact he worked home as well as he did…enormous. If that hasn’t hurt his confidence, he can win.
6. Aerodrome: He was trucking in the Sires but when asked for the big effort, he just whacked and the wheels were spinning. Firmer footing, he’s an improver.
7. Thee Creek: Strong on speed winner at Ipswich last time but not sure what he exactly beat and this looks too hard.
8. Hidden Achievement: He looks way unders for mine. I thought he was comfortably held by Zebra Finch at Rosehill yet the gap between two in betting is significant. He is a nice horse, don’t get me wrong, but he’s far too short.
9. Zebra Finch: Zebra Finch is progressive and heading in the right direction for James Cummings. He won at Rosehill two weeks back, sitting on a moderate speed and in a sit/sprint, he finished best to win and win well. No issues with 1600m and stable did win this race last year.
10. Navy Pilot: Been a busy juvenile and several runs ago, I thought he could be a live JJ Atkins contender but his recent efforts have been nothing to jump up and down about in terms of being a contender here so he goes through to the keeper.
11. Zoutanium: He was game on speed behind Zebra Finch at Rosehill but I can’t see him turning the tables on that horse here.
12. Regulated Affair: SCR
13. The Bear: Plain last week in the Show A Heart so can’t have him here.
14. Meet George: Worked and tired late in the Show A Heart but this is different gravy for him.
15. Mortal Halo: He was good in defeat at Doomben over 1350m and should be fine at the mile, but he hasn’t got the class.
16. Providence: I think he’s a Group 1 winner in waiting and it could easily come here. Just lacked change up speed in the Show A Heart but loved the way he ran to/through the line. He’ll get a good drag into this race and launch late.
17. Sweet Pretender: Solid maiden winner at Doomben last time but don’t see her measuring up.
2025 JJ Atkins $100 Betting Strategy:
$20 Win / $80 Place Grafterburners
Group 1 Strategy Outlay: $6950
Group 1 Strategy Return: $4361.50
JJ Atkins Stakes Odds
2025 JJ Atkins Stakes Betting Preview:
Cool Archie has firmed into clear favouritism, trading around $3.50 to $4.00—a testament to his recent dominance and strong claims at the trip. Grafterburners comes in as a solid second pick, offering value around $6.00 to $7.00, particularly appealing given the switch to firmer ground. Zebra Finch has caught the eye of punters too, hovering in the $8.00–$9.00 range with momentum after his Rosehill win. Meanwhile, horses like Call Da Vinci and Providence are steady at $10–$12, seen as genuine chances to run into the money. Longshots such as Torque To Be Sure and Farnicle offer deeper odds in the high-teens to mid-twenties, making them intriguing each-way options for those seeking a surprise.
2025 JJ Atkins Speed Map
Zoutanium led at Rosehill so I suspect he goes forward and leads. Meet George and The Bear will come across and likely settle handy, as should Zebra Finch from the inside gate. Farnicle won’t be far away.
