The opening Group 1 race on Stradbroke Handicap Day this weekend is the JJ Atkins 2014– betting tips and exotic selections for the two-year-olds’ classic found right here.

There are 11 juveniles making up the field for the $500,000 Group 1 Tatts Group J.J. Atkins (1600m) this year, the event running as Eagle Farm Race 6 at 2:20pm.

Of the up-and-comers involved in the mile clash the hot favourite is Chris Waller’s Sydney visitor Brazen Beau.

Drawn in gate four with Nash Rawiller riding the son of I Am Invincible opened at a short $2.05 but has firmed even further now at $2 to win their first Group 1.

They are a Group 2 winner in Brisbane after a nice effort in the Champagne Classic but not unbeaten in Queensland after messing up the start in the Sires’ Produce last start to eventually run a brave second.

They’re followed in the JJ Atkins odds by three other single figure hopes.

Second pick is Gai Waterhouse’s undefeated Almalad ($5) up in class and distance and with just the two sprint starts in Sydney behind them.

Following on $8.50 is then the Mick Price-trained Pressing out to atone for their ninth last time out in the Sires Produce behind Time For War and then the local hope, Looks Like The Cat ($9), who has come close in their two lead-up runs.

So should you be backing Brazen Beau to continue the good run of favourites in the race?

Or is there an upset JJ Atkins result on the card this year?

1^st

#1 Brazen Beau ($2)

They’re short in the markets for a reason and really think this promising Caulfield Guineas type can get the job done over the mile without too much trouble. Good drawn (barrier four), Rawiller knows them well and they can atone for their Sires Produce loss by getting away from the gates this time. If they miss the kick though it’s still not panic station with 1600m to make up ground, enough time to give them the quarter length they were beaten by over 1350m after missing the start by two lengths last time out.

2^nd

#Looks Like The Cat ($9)

Good price on this locally-trained Husson colt looking to keep the Group 1s coming for trainer Tony Gollan. Broke their maiden status at Eagle Farm three back before two good Doomben runs in this class when runner-up in the Champagne and third in the BRC Sires Produce. Plenty of merit in both those starts, mile should suit and getting back to roomier course at the Farm is also an advantage.

3^rd

#2 Time For War ($10)

Gerald Ryan’s Snitzel colt from Sydney out to prove their BRC Sires’ Produce upset was no fluke. Don’t think they’ll be able to hold off the late flyers this time when stretched out to a mile, but also don’t think they’ll be too far away. Any rain will suit, they’re Group 1 performed having run fourth in the ATC Sires Produce earlier this season, Group 2 winner at Rosehill and ticks lots of boxes especially after drawing barrier one which they won from last start.

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*All odds quoted are Fixed Win from Ladbrokes.com.au and subject to change