Lean Mean Waller Machine

[Wandering Eyes]

With three outstanding runners, in fact the only three under double-figure odds, trainer Chris Waller’s chances of winning the G1 JJ Atkins Plate (1600m) look extremely favourable.

While the unbeaten The Autumn Sun (Aus) (Redoute’s Choice {Aus}) comes into the race off two Randwick wins, the well-bred colt is yet to face stakes class, and although not a hinderance as such, his stablemate Lean Mean Machine (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}) was an impressive winner last start in the G2 Sires’ Produce S., where he lead home a one-two finish for not only his sire, but trainer as well when Zousain (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}) was three-parts of a length back in second. Jockey Corey Brown was effusive in his praise for Lean Mean Machine post-race last start, stating “He’s the real deal, this horse.”

Clearly a horse on the up, The Autumn Sun’s last-start length victory over 1400m highlighted that the 1600m should pose no concern, and with his trainer going to $1.3-million at the Inglis Easter yearling sale earlier this year to secure his three-quarter brother, connections must have a very high opinion of their unbeaten colt.

Qatar Bloodstock’s Zousain has all the right attributes to turn the tables on Lean Mean Machine, but with the outside barrier to contend with, he may need to make up considerable ground late.

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