See the 2024 JJ Atkins Preview and results.

See the 2023 JJ Atkins Preview and results.

See the 2022 JJ Atkins Preview and results.

See the 2021 JJ Atkins Preview and results.

The JJ Atkins was first run in 1893 as the Claret Stakes over 6 furlongs (about 1200 metres) and was won by Common. In 1905 the distance increased to 7 furlongs and in 1955 it increased again to 8 furlongs. It gained Group 1 status in 1985 and was a handicap race for most of its history, only becoming a set weight race in 2007. In 2017 and 2018 it was switched to Doomben because of issues with the track surface at Eagle Farm.

Claret Stakes, Sir Robert Herbert Stakes, RU Sloman Claret Stakes, QTC Marlborough Stakes, QTC Castlemaine Stakes and QTC Classic are some of the names this race has gone by before becoming the TJ Smith Classic from 1999 to 2012 in honour of the great Sydney trainer Tommy Smith who died in 1998. In 2013 it became the JJ Atkins.

Last filly to win: Sheeza Belter (2022)

Fastest time (1600m): Outback Ptrince (2003) 1:34:10

Interesting trivia:

Colts and geldings carry 57kg and fillies carry 55kg in the JJ Atkins. The major lead-up race is the Group 2 Sires Produce Stakes over 1400 metres at Eagle Farm. Winners of both races include Pressday (2010), Lovely Jubly (2002), Juanmo (2001), Al Mansour (1997), Anthems (1996), Mahogany (1993) and Slight Chance (1992).

This race is the only Group 1 event for two-year-olds in the Brisbane Winter Carnival and it is also the last Group race of the racing year (August 1 to July 31) for two-year-olds, which gives it an elite status. The winners of the JJ Atkins will  normally go on to bigger and better things when they return as three-year-olds and past winners include horses like Luskin Star (1977), Tristram’s Edition (1985). Flotilla (1987) and Zeditave (1988).

From the archives:

JJ Atkins Preview & Tips 2018

Track: Soft   Weather: Showers

There is a field of 14 two-year-olds for the $600,000 2018 Jaguar Land Rover J.J. Atkins, including 4 fillies. The short-priced favourite is The Autumn Sun who has 2 runs for 2 Randwick wins. Second favourite is BRC Sires’ Produce winner Lean Mean Machine who has 2 wins and 2 places from 4 starts. Third favouritism is shared between Zousain who ran 2^nd in the BRC Sires’ Produce, and Fundamentalist who charged home late for 2^nd in the SA Sires Produce last outing.

Sizzling Ace and Boomsara tied for 3^rd in the BRC Sires Produce, Sesar ran 5^th and Plumaro was 8^th.  Home Ground has won his last 2 starts but is taking a huge step up in grade. The remaining five runners are all over $46.

The following are the top 4 selections from our tipster panel for this years race.