With several key lead-up races pushed to the side this year, the complexion of the JJ Atkins has completely changed in 2020 and we are set for a truly unique edition of the feature race for two-year-olds.

Regardless, it’s still a Group 1 contest, it’s still packed with talent and there is still a winner to be found.

JJ Atkins Stakes – Winner

No. 3 Wisdom Of Water – Bet Now: $6.00

Wisdom Of Water is yet to run a bad race and the JJ Atkins looks a lovely target for him.

The two-year-old son of Headwater finished nine lengths behind Rothfire on debut but beat a good field to the line at the Gold Coast second-up, ultimately ending his debut prep fourth in the Magic Millions Classic.

The break looks as though its only brought him on further, and he has so-far recorded two dominant wins from as many starts this time, including the Group 3 Ken Russell Memorial a few weeks ago.

Fitter third-up, he needs only even luck in running to fight out the finish again.

JJ Atkins Stakes – 2nd

No. 14 Macroura – Bet Now: $6.50

Macroura is yet to taste anything but success and can continue her unbeaten record through the 2020 JJ Atkins.

The Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace-trained filly immediately stamped herself as one to watch with an easy win on debut at Kembla Grange, and she has only improved with each start and as the bar has been raised.

She’s since beaten the likes of Wild Ruler on the Kenso course at Randwick and dominated the Listed Woodlands Stakes last time out.

She looks a horse that will relish getting out to a mile, she’s drawn to receive a lovely run from an inside gate and she’s treated well in the weights as a filly – I really can’t find a reason why she won’t be in the finish.

JJ Atkins Stakes – 3rd

No. 1 Rothfire – Bet Now: $3.80

He has drawn appallingly (barrier 14), but there is absolutely no denying Rothfire’s class and he will take plenty of beating in the JJ Atkins.

The Rothesay gelding hasn’t run a bad race since debuting and is probably unlucky not to be entering this race undefeated, having won five races and finished a close-up second in the Aquis Jewel on the Gold Coast at his only other appearance.

He couldn’t have been more impressive when he resumed for a comfortable win in the Group 2 Champagne Classic a fortnight ago, in which he beat home several of his key JJ Atkins rivals and while he’s yet to be tested over a mile, it appears as though it won’t be a problem.

JJ Atkins Stakes – 4th

No. 11 Overlord – Bet Now: $15.00

Overlord is yet to record a race win, but he is clearly a colt of ability and it would be the most ‘Chris Waller’ thing of all time to saddle this horse to a maiden triumph at Group 1 level.

The Sebring colt filled the minors over 1100m at Randwick-Kensington on debut and has since finished second behind the talented Peltzer in a couple of sprints over 1200m and 1300m at Randwick.

He looks to be peaking in conditions at the perfect moment and Waller’s record in this race is outstanding.

I for one, would not be surprised to see him winning.

JJ Atkins Stakes Suggested Bets