Cool Archie is ready to test himself in Queensland’s top juvenile race when he lines up in the Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm this Saturday, chasing a fifth straight win.
Corey Munce, who joined his father Chris as co-trainer in August 2023, has already tasted notable success, much of it courtesy of Cool Archie. The colt has already won both the Group 2 Spirit Of Boom Classic (1200m) and Group 2 BRC Sires Produce (1400m).
After storming home from the back to win the Sires by nearly three lengths, Corey Munce is confident about the colt’s condition leading into Saturday.
“He’s cool as a cucumber,” Munce said.
“He’s come through the run pretty well. He was a little tired Sunday, but he’s rebounded off the run as well as we’d like.
“Considering the run he had, he’s done a really good job.”
The son of Cool Aza Beel, who in turn is by Savabeel, is expected to handle the rise to 1600m comfortably.
“Zero problems there, and he’s probably almost run a mile with the work he’s done so no concerns in that regard,” Munce said.
“The blinkers will remain off, and you know gee whiz, he’s a versatile little horse; he can be ridden very cold, he can be up there, and he can be midfield or better, so he’s a very versatile and honest horse.”
Cool Archie will jump from barrier 9 in a field of 17, and Munce says the colt is still improving.
“We wouldn’t have run him in the Magic Millions in January as a maidener for nothing,” Munce said.
“He was wide throughout that run, and I think with a better barrier draw, the old cliche, he certainly finishes a lot closer.
“After the summer carnival, he only had about four or five weeks out and come straight back to attack the winter.
“He was one that just kept improving.”
Victory on Saturday would place Cool Archie among a select few to complete the Sires/Atkins double, last achieved by Broadsiding.
He’s currently the $3.50 favourite, narrowly ahead of Hidden Achievement from the Chris Waller stable, who drew gate six and is $4.80 in betting.
For those interested in a punt on the JJ Atkins or broader racing action, make sure to explore the top odds and offers on leading Australian betting sites.
