An impressive front-running display at Randwick from undefeated colt Peltzer has trainer Gerald Ryan considering a Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival bid in the 2020 JJ Atkins next month.
Peltzer looks a Group 1 horse in the making after a nice Randwick win. Photo: Steve Hart.
The well-bred son of So You Think proved his maiden win on debut at Kembla Grange on April 28 was no fluke, jockey Kerrin McEvoy coming aboard for the all-the-way victory in the second at Randwick on Saturday.
A double-figure shot in a wide-open market for the $100,000 Central Coast Mariners 2YO Handicap (1200m), Peltzer was quick out the gates and never looked in danger of being run down.
On the straight the up-and-comer gave a nice kick to draw clear of his rivals with nearly two lengths to spare on the line over the Chris Waller-trained runner-up Overlord ($6.50), while Elizabeel ($7) ran a close third.
Ryan is now considering whether to race on with the youngster, a $260,000 Magic Millions buy, for a shot at the Group 1 $350,000 J.J. Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 6 or to head to the paddock ahead of a spring return.
“He is in the race in Queensland but it is his first preparation so I am not sure,” Ryan told the media post-win.
“We will go home and think about it. We might put him away for the spring because I think he is a spring horse.
“He will get better.
“I have always said he is not a So You Think that is going to run 2000m.
“He is a fast So You Think and he always has shown that at home. The boys have been patient with him.
“I was a bit surprised he led but when he pinged the lids like he did, Kerrin had no choice but I have a lot of time for the horse.”
Despite Ryan’s queries, the bookmakers Ladbrokes.com.au have slashed the all-in JJ Atkins odds on Peltzer in from as long as $51 to $18 to take out the juvenile’s feature on Stradbroke Handicap Day.
If not Brisbane, Ryan said a race like the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) in Sydney in September is the likely long-term target for Peltzer.
“I’m not sure about Brisbane,” he said.
“I do think he is worth setting for a race like the Golden Rose and if you do go to Brisbane then you have to get them back into work by mid-June.”
After snaring second along the rails, Waller’s Sebring colt Overlord is also into $18 to win the JJ Atkins in the Sunshine State.
Futures JJ Atkins betting remains led by Tony Gollan’s local Deep Field filly Isotope ($5), a big winner at the Sunshine Coast on ANZAC Day.
The JJ Atkins first acceptances close on May 27 with the latest markets available here courtesy of Ladbrokes.com.au.
