Congregation has a date with destiny

By Glenn Davis

Exciting colt Congregation is primed for a date with destiny in the Group 1 J. J. Atkins at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

A $2.25 million colt at the Inglis Easter sale last year, Congregation is out of Group 1-winning mare Response, making him a full brother to 2018 Golden Slipper winner Estijaab.

The son of Snitzel is unbeaten in two starts and is backing-up seven days after a narrow win over stable-mate Tutta La Vita in a 1300 metre two-year-old race at Rosehill last Saturday.

Champion trainer Chris Waller is launching a three-pronged attack on the J. J. Atkins with Congregation being joined by last-start Randwick winner Tannhauser and Chrysaor, who finished a game third in the Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm last month.

Waller’s Gold Coast foreman Brett Killion believes Congregation has a big future and was delighted when the colt drew well in barrier five.

However, Killion has warned Tannhauser (barrier six) and Chrysaor (15) will both be competitive and are capable of claiming the Group 1 juvenile feature.

“I think all three have very big chances,” Killion said.

“Tannhauser has been up here for about 10 days and was strong through the line last start.

“He’s a lovely colt and has been working well.

“Congregation’s win last week was very strong and he’s a nice colt who looks to be a Group 1 horse in the making.

“Chris (Waller) has won this race three times already and he was just edged out for his fourth last year when Sheeza Belter beat Political Debate.”

Killion expects Chrysaor to get back from his wide gate but has made an important gear chance with the son of Better Than Ready.

“He was very good last start when he ran third in the Sires' and didn’t have a lot of luck in the straight,” Killion said.

“He finished the race off well but we’re taking the blinkers off him for the Atkins and he should run the 1600 metres.”

Waller’s J. J. Atkins winners were Pressday (2010), Press Statement (2015) and The Autumn Sun in 2018.

The most successful jockey in J. J. Atkins history, Kerrin McEvoy has the ride on Congregation while James McDonald partners Tannhauser with Nash Rawiller aboard Chrysaor.

Kerrin McEvoy has won the J. J. Atkins four times, one win more than former champion rider Mick Dittman.