Trainer Michael Freedman is keen to give promising two-year-old Berzelius his chance in the Group 1 JJ Atkins after the colt’s powerful win at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Berzelius finished strongly to run down the previously unbeaten Vantorix in the Group 2 $1 million BRC Sires Produce Stakes (1400m).
Freedman wasn’t on track for Berzelius’s win but told Racing And Sports he would like to aim the colt at the Group 1 $1 million JJ Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 13.
“I liked the way he found the line, he ran the 1400m right out,” Freedman said.
“He should get 1600m on that effort so he deserves his chance in the JJ Atkins.
“But we will see how he pulls up first, we will talk with the owners and then make a decision.”
Berzelius ($31), ridden by Tommy Berry, finished strongly to reel in a very game Vantorix ($10) with Martist ($7.50) just over a length away third.
I Am Dirty was sent out favourite at $3.30 and had excuses before finishing seventh while Stormy Marco never got clear galloping room in the straight and should have finished much closer than eighth.
Berry is also convinced Berzelius will have no problem going to 1600m in the JJ Atkins in two weeks.
“We really liked him heading into the Gold Coast, but he didn’t really get around the track and after that Michael said why don’t we put a bit of head gear on?” Berry said.
“I said, well if you’re going to go with headgear, you’ll need a crossover (noseband) as well, because he’s still doing a little bit wrong.
“He was a lot more switched on, even in the barriers. He was standing there nice and quiet and focussed, and he jumped today and was able to get a good run.
“I had the opportunity to stay on the second placegetter’s back or move out around the bend, but he hit a bit of a flat spot.
“I just wanted to get him into the race and he still did a little bit wrong in the straight, but he’ll improve again after today.”
Berzelius did travel three-wide, albeit with cover, but was still able to finish strongly to reel in Vantorix near the line.
Berzelius, a well-bred son of Newgate’s super sire Extreme Choice, improved his record to two wins from just three starts and is now on track to become the 16th to complete the BRC Sires Produce Stakes–JJ Atkins double.
Some of the two-year-olds to have won the big-race double include Cool Archie (2025), Broadsiding (2024) and Sheeza Belter (2022) in recent years, joining the likes of outstanding gallopers Mahogany (1993), Slight Chance (1992), Zephyr Zip (1980), Luskin Star (1977) and Romantic Dream (1976) to achieve the feat.
Freedman decided to use visors on Berzelius after the colt was beaten at the Gold Coast when fourth to St Gotthard in the Ken Russell Memorial Classic.
“We just felt the visors would help as he struggled to get around the Gold Coast, which is a tight turning track,” Freedman said.
“He galloped with them on Tuesday and my brother, Lee, said he worked super. We both felt he was way over the odds today.
“But he’s still physically quite immature and he’s going to be even better as a three-year-old.”
