Chris Waller is sticking with a proven formula as he prepares Hidden Achievement for the J J Atkins (1600m), a Group 1 contest he’s already won three times.
The colt mirrors the profiles of Waller’s past winners The Autumn Sun (2018) and Press Statement (2015), both of whom debuted in April and campaigned in Sydney before their triumphs in Brisbane.
Hidden Achievement followed suit with a debut second at Canterbury in April, before breaking his maiden at Gosford last month.
Unlike Waller’s previous Atkins winners, who scored at their third starts, Hidden Achievement heads into the race at his fourth, following a close third behind Zebra Finch at Rosehill.
“There is nothing like keeping them at home and educating them, giving them a softer time up to the mile and their grand final,” Waller said.
“He’s got the right profile to go close. He has drawn reasonably well and James (McDonald) rides. He is a really nice colt.”
Blinkers will be applied for the first time, with Waller noting, “He won’t need them fulltime, but it will help him show a bit more aggression on Saturday.”
Waller also has Providence engaged, while Regulated Affair is expected to remain in Sydney.