The JJ Atkins is the fifth and final Group 1 race for two-year-old’s in the racing season, following on from the Blue Diamond at Caulfield, Golden Slipper at Rosehill, and the Sires’ Produce and Champagne Stakes at Randwick. Being run over 1600m, connections are often testing out a precocious colt at the trip, with a view to the Caulfield Guineas four months later.

As the Brisbane Racing Carnival has grown with investment in prizemoney, so too has the calibre of JJ Atkins winner. Over the last decade, it has become increasingly rare for the winner not to either win at Group 1 level again, or at least be very competitive. The Autumn Sun is the standout winner in recent times.