Kementari underlines Gr 1 JJ Atkins claims

Imposing Godolphin colt Kementari has earned a place among the favourites for the JJ Atkins at Eagle Farm after a commanding maiden victory at Randwick.

The two-year-old opened his account at the second attempt, cruising to a four-length win in Saturday’s Seven News Plate (1400m).

Tye Angland guided Kementari ($5.50) through a gap at the 300m and he pulled clear of Easy Go Easy Win ($5) with Sambro ($4.60) a short neck away third.

Kementari showed promise on debut at Canterbury when finishing runner-up to stablemate Malahat earlier this month and took another positive stride towards the JJ Atkins (1600m) on June 10.

Kementari’s performance delighted Godolphin representative Claire Mackay and jockey Angland.

“That was very impressive,” Mackay said.

“He was due to take a lot of improvement out of his first run behind Malahat and he’s put them to bed pretty easily.

“He’s still very new, very raw, he’s still got a lot more improvement, he’s only going to improve next season.”

Angland agreed, believing Kementari would not reach his peak until his next preparation.

“He can go to Brisbane and be competitive but I reckon he’ll come back next prep and be a whole lot better horse,” Angland said.

“It’s all about maturity and him working out what racing is all about. He’s got plenty of upside.”

Angland was always confident after sitting on the rail behind Easy Go Easy Win at the top of the home straight.

“It’s was all about waiting for a run,” he said.

“I had horses that were good chances in front me so they were always going to take me into the race. I was confident when I straightened,” he said.

“I gave him of room and he really responded.”

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