J-Mac reigns on Imperalist in Phoenix, but abdication looms as he commits to Broadsiding in Group 1 JJ Atkins

After an impressive Phoenix victory, connections face a decision on whether to back-up Imperialist in next week’s Group 1 JJ Atkins ... but they’ll need a new rider with James McDonald committed to favourite Broadsiding.

Chris Waller-trained Imperalist, with James McDonald in the saddle, scores the Listed The Phoenix at Eagle Farm. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography.

Champion jockey James McDonald has given the connections of Imperialist a decision to make on whether they back up into the Group 1 JJ Atkins next week, but they will need a new rider after he confirmed he would ride odds-on favourite Broadsiding.

With Jamie Kah taking off overseas next week, McDonald has been called up by Godolphin to ride the colt in the $1m feature in his quest for 100 Group 1 winners.

McDonald produced a slashing ride on the Chris Waller-trained Imperialist in the Listed The Phoenix (1500m) to mow down race favourite Aemelius.

Waller said he did not have intentions of backing up Imperialist prior to Saturday’s victory, but conceded he now had a decision to make come Monday, with the JJ Atkins field falling away after the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce last week.

IMPERIALIST storms home to upset the favourite Aemelius in The Phoenix 🐦‍🔥

A perfectly rated steer from @mcacajamez to get the victory for @cwallerracing!

That’s an early double for J Mac. pic.twitter.com/g6aMSf5NbH

— RaceQ (@RaceQLD) June 8, 2024

The champion trainer said he would be guided by betting markets when determining if it was worth running in the Group 1 feature.

While McDonald will ride Broadsiding next week, he said Imperialist had the class required to move through his grades.

“He’s a nice progressive horse and he did a good job out there today. It’s nice to win in these colours again,” he said.

“He was very relaxed in the ring but he sprang into life when we got behind the stalls. He’s still new and he did a few things wrong, but he’ll learn soon enough.”

Imperialist was $26 into $15 following the victory, while the narrowly beaten Aemelius remained solid in betting at $11.

Owner Noel Greenhalgh (centre) speaks to jockey James McDonald (left) after Imperalist’s win in the Phoenix at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography

It kicks off a big seven days for big-time Brisbane-based owner Noel Greenhalgh, who will have Nugget running in the $3m Stradbroke Handicap.

Greenhalgh has won most of Australia’s big races, but has only managed to run second in the Stradbroke before and said Nugget presented one of his best chances.

“We ran second to Tyzone with Madam Rouge in 2020, so we are hoping to come back with Nugget on Saturday,” he said.

Originally published as J-Mac reigns on Imperalist in Phoenix, but abdication looms as he commits to Broadsiding in Group 1 JJ Atkins