Waller looking north with impressive 2YO winner
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Champion trainer Chris Waller was prepared to put a fourth Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes success in his crosshairs following emerging talent Regulated Affair's slashing win at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Regulated Affair lived up to his $1.45 quote as he put his rivals to the sword with a dominant victory in the Vinnie Three-Time Champion Sire Plate (1000m).
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The son of Wootton Bassett reaped the benefits of barrier one and did his best work late under the urging of star jockey James McDonald to beat Fernweh ($9) by 1½ lengths.
Waller confirmed post-race to Sky Racing his plan to head to Brisbane for the winter carnival.
'We picked out this race and thought it would be a good stepping stone,' Waller said.
'He has a different sort of action. He is a small compact horse and gets his head down and likes to work.
'From his action 1200m to 1400m (will suit) and hopefully we get him to 1400m and get the chance to go to a JJ Atkins.'
• Hezashocka chasing 53-year first in Gosford Gold Cup
Regulated Affair now sits alone on the fourth line of betting at $11 for the JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 14.
Waller has won the JJ Atkins Stakes previously with Pressday (2010), Press Statement (2015) and The Autumn Sun (2018).
Fellow two-year-old victor Agarwood ($2.40 favourite) could join Regulated Affair in Brisbane for the winter carnival after her professional debut triumph in the Schweppes 2YO Maiden Plate (1000m) for fillies.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained sat in the box seat before surging clear in the straight to score by 2½ lengths from Penpel ($13) and Sylph ($4.60).
'She was obviously keeps improving as she gets over further and whether Scone comes up a little bit too quick but we could look at Queensland,' Bott said.
'Any black type is of benefit.'
Agarwood also holds a JJ Atkins nomination where she is $26.
Originally published as Chris Waller unleashes potential JJ Atkins Stakes contender with Regulated Affair at Warwick Farm
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