JJ Atkins Stakes and Oxlade Stakes options for exciting Agarwood

Agarwood extended her unbeaten run with an effortless all-the-way victory at Randwick on Saturday, leaving trainer Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott with a pleasant dilemma—press on to Queensland or spell the rising star ahead of a spring campaign.

The daughter of Better Than Ready backed up her maiden win at Warwick Farm with a professional performance in the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation Handicap (1200m), cruising home under Adam Hyeronimus.

While nominated for the J J Atkins (1600m), Tulloch Lodge’s Neil Paine said they may opt for the Oxlade Stakes (1200m) or send her to the paddock for a break.

“She’s only had two starts and has done everything right,” Paine said. “She’s light-framed but very tough, and her turn of foot is sharp. Whether we go to Brisbane or wait for the spring will depend on how she pulls up.”

Agarwood won comfortably as the $1.95 favourite, putting a clear margin on Matima ($10), while Providence ($31) finished well to grab third, just in front of Regulated Affair ($8).

Both of Chris Waller’s runners are also Queensland-bound, with Providence targeted for The Phoenix (1500m) at Eagle Farm before a potential JJ Atkins run, according to assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth. Regulated Affair is also entered for the Group 1 race.

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