Worth Paying Attention

Saturday's G1 J.J. Atkins S. at Eagle Farm marks the last opportunity for Australian juveniles to secure a Group 1 win, and a full field of 18 has signed on in search of their first win at the highest level. Much of the field has come through the 1350-metre G2 Sires' Produce S. at Doomben two weeks ago, which was won by Attention (Aus) (Stratum {Aus}). The winner of the G3 Bailleu H. at Rosehill Mar. 26 for a similar ownership group to the one that campaigns G1 Golden Slipper winner Capitalist (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus}), Attention was outclassed in the G1 Sires' Produce S. at The Championships Apr. 2, but the Peter and Paul Snowden trainee proved he is at home in Queensland last-out and drew well in gate two here. Sacred Elixir (NZ) (Pour Moi {Ire}) was making his Australian debut when sixth in the Sires' Produce, having won two of four in his native country, and he is tipped to enjoy the step up in trip, being by the Derby winner Pour Moi.

Godolphin is represented here by Souchez (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}), who won the G2 Pago Pago S. at Rosehill Mar. 12 but has broken slowly in his last two tries when third in Doomben's G2 Champagne Classic May 14 and fifth in the Sires' Produce. “He blew the start badly at Doomben the other day and then got home very strongly, so I think the extra distance will suit him,” said trainer John O'Shea. “He's one of only a couple of stakes winners in the race, so he looks like he's up to the class. If he does everything right, he should give a good sight.”

Nikitas (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}), second to Capitalist in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic in January, disappointed on return when eighth in the Champagne Classic but was a much-improved third in the Sires' Produce.

Spendthrift Australia looks for a breakthrough win with 15-1 shot Redouble (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}). The bay broke his maiden at first-asking at Canterbury Apr. 27 and showed promise when third in Doomben's Hampden S. May 21. He prepped for this with a trial win at Sunshine Coast on Tuesday.