The Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) over the mile on Stradbroke Handicap Day next month is calling for the Steven O’dea-trained Sesar who broke his maiden status in the Ken Russell Memorial Classic 2018 results.

Trainer Steven O’Dea has the 2018 JJ Atkins as the hopeful winter Grand Final for his Ken Russell Memorial Classic winner Sesar. Photo: Daniel Costello.

Having just his third career start the lightly-raced but progressive two-year-old Sebring colt started to prove his potential and reward connections at Proven Thoroughbreds with an upset win on A.D. Hollindale Stakes Day in the Group 3 $125,000 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m).

“A big thrill for sure,” winning trainer O’dea said post-race.

“He’s showed good improvement.

“I thought he was a good chance today.”

Ridden by Brad Pengelly, replacing Paul Hammersley in the saddle, the up-and-comer jumped a $16 shot in Ken Russell Memorial Classic betting at Ladbrokes.com.au and didn’t come into the mix until the straight.

The field was led around by the previously undefeated Zoom By who was quick out of the gates and took front running from Rexx and the rails-drawn Blue Book.

The Chris Waller-trained race favourite Lean Mean Machine, coming off a third in the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) at Randwick from April 7, meanwhile missed the kick from the outside barrier and settled third wide second last.

Lean Mean Machine started to creep forward as the turn for home approached but still had about five lengths to make up.

Once on the straight Sesar got the inside run and moved up to the Chris Munce-trained last start winner at the track and distance, Boomsara ($5), a son of the 2010 Ken Russell Memorial Classic winner Spirit Of Boom.

Boomsara and Sesar battled it out in the closing stages, but the latter got the upper hand from the gun inside run scoring a three-quarter length win, while Lean Mean Machine ($2.90) finished off the Ken Russell Memorial Classic trifecta in third as the beaten favourite.

“He had to take advantage of those runs when they come on the inside and he’s lengthened out well,” O’dea said.

“He’s only lightly raced…definitely on an upward spiral and he was always going to improve.

“It’s really good to get him to win today.”

O’Dea said that the Group 2 $250,000 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1350m) at Doomben on May 26 was the natural next-up option for Sesar, a race last year’s Ken Russell Memorial winner Taking Aim ran second in.

Taking Aim went on to run third in the JJ Atkins trifecta last Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival, and that elite level mile classic on June 9 at Doomben is also on the agenda for Sesar in 2018.

“We’ll probably have to look towards the Sires now with him,” O’dea confirmed.

“I’ve nominated him for the JJ Atkins, whether he’s a little immature yet we’ll see.

“Hopefully we can get him through into the Sires and then the JJ Atkins.”

Sesar has firmed in from $34 to $15 in the futures 2018 JJ Atkins betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au, while Lean Mean Machine remains top of the markets at $10 with the extra distance set to suit.

To back Sesar next race and to access the best all in JJ Atkins 2018 odds visit Ladbrokes.com.au today.

2018 Ken Russell Memorial Classic Results & Finishing Order

Gold Coast Race 5 – 05/05/2018