JJ Atkins 2026 - Barrier Draw & Final Field

The youngster has continued to improve with racing since finishing third on debut at Kembla Grange, recording a dominant victory over 1400m at Randwick Kensington before backing that up with another impressive win at Rosehill on March 30.

Those performances have established Tron Bolt as one of the leading contenders for the 2026 JJ Atkins.

Stormy Marco (barrier 2) is another prominent chance, with the Chris Waller-trained son of Wootton Bassett winning on debut at Hawkesbury before finishing midfield in the Group 2 Sires' Produce Stakes on May 30.

Martist (barrier 12) caught the eye with a strong finishing burst for third in that feature after also making late ground in the Group 2 Spirit Of Boom Classic on May 16.

The rise to a mile looks likely to suit the colt, who has been finding the line strongly in his recent outings.

Berzelius (barrier 5) has won two of his three starts, highlighted by an upset victory in the Group 2 Sires' Produce Stakes when stepping up to 1400m for the first time.

Kickup Rocky (barrier 6) also made an impression in that race, closing from the rear after winning at Eagle Farm at his previous start following a runner-up finish at Doomben when resuming.

Cormier (barrier 4) and Voynichese (barrier 10) are two other key chances, with the latter producing an impressive debut victory before chasing home Tron Bolt at Rosehill.

Voynichese further enhanced his credentials when stepping up from maiden company at Albury to claim The Show A Heart on June 6.

First run in 1893, the JJ Atkins boasts a rich history and has been won by some of the most celebrated names in Australian racing, including Luskin Star, Mahogany and, more recently, The Autumn Sun.

Held during the Brisbane Winter Carnival, the Group 1 contest is recognised as Queensland’s premier race for two-year-olds and has long been a proving ground for future stars.

The feature has been run over several distances throughout its history, including 1200m and 1400m, although it has been primarily contested over 1600m since 1973.

Many outstanding gallopers have used the JJ Atkins as a springboard to further Group 1 success, enhancing the race’s standing as one of Australia’s most important juvenile events.

Recent winners include King Colorado in 2023, Broadsiding in 2024 and Cool Archie in 2025, with each adding their name to the race’s distinguished honour roll.