The dynamo training duo of Ciaron Maher & David Eustace celebrated their 26th Group 1 success in partnership with an impressive upset in the Group 1 $1 million Ladbrokes J.J. Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm with King Colorado.
The nicely-bred Kingman colt gave his large ownership group plenty to be proud of when making a big step-up in grade off a winning Kembla Grange maiden to score victory in Brisbane’s J.J. Atkins on Stradbroke Day.
“We thought obviously he’s come off a maiden,” co-trainer Maher told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“He’s always shown ability, but just he’s developed as a horse.
“We thought he’d run the distance. He’s beautifully bred.”
Jason Collett gave the up-and-coming two-year-old a peach of a ride, staying calm when getting caught back from the good gate early to make up late ground with a big charge right up the middle of the track on the straight.
“Jason Collett gave him a beautiful ride,” Maher said.
“He got back further than what I imagined, but that’s Jase, cool, calm and collected.
“It was beautiful to watch. How good.”
Proving his potential as a miler / stayer to watch in the spring the now very valuable colt flew home the final furlong and was able to beat home Paul Messara‘s Dundeel filly Miracle Of Love ($7.50) by nearly two lengths on the line.
Completing the J.J. Atkins trifecta in a distant third after racing wide and back throughout was Chris Waller’s beaten favourite Tannhauser ($4.80F).
“Obviously it was a massive step-up and an unbelievable thrill,” Maher added.
“Look at him, a ripper!
“So proud of the team.
“It’s what it’s all about.”
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