2023 J.J. Atkins Winner Is King Colorado for Maher/Eustace

[Wandering Eyes]

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.

Tannhauser (pictured in Sydney) ran third as the beaten favourite in the 2023 Ladbrokes J.J. Atkins results in Brisbane. Photo: Steve Hart.

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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