James McDonald steered Tron Bolt to victory in the J.J. Atkins – hear from the beaten brigade.
A strong win to Tron Bolt in the Kensington opener for @cwallerracing and @mcacajamez! ⚡️@aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/90b0Fq2Eo4
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 13, 2026
Tommy Berry (Berzelius): “He came into the race like he was going to fight it out but I think that testing track at the mile, he was found out that last furlong.”
Mark Zahra (Martist): “He ran well. He had every chance but probably seven furlongs is a far as he wants.”
Adam Hyeronimus (Silken Salute): “He has probably come to the end of it. Too much for him today but he’ll be a nice three-year-old.”
Nash Rawiller (Stormy Marco): “We didn’t have great use of the gate, but the plan was to ride him just comfortable and he settled well. When I produced him, he gave the feel of a very, very nice horse. I thought I was going to run under the first and second horse but obviously their class was able to allow them to kick on as well. He’s a lovely horse and you can see him being a topliner in the furture.”
Daniel Moor (Kickup Rocky): “Found each other in a lot closer position but didn’t appreciate that slackened tempo.”
Jaden Lloyd (Macedon Mission): “Good run. He just got trapped wide from the gate which didn’t help but he’ll be a better horse next prep.”
Aaron Bullock (Cormier): “You’d think that James McDonald would hand up just one group one, wouldn’t you? No, jokes aside. He was very game in defeat. The winner beat him last start but my horse improved again today. That little bit drier track to what it was last time, you can see him give a good run to the line. He was beaten but he is a group one horse in the making.”
Tim Clark (Glenorchy): “I thought he went excellent from a wide draw having to do a bit of work. He stuck to his guns really well.”
Chad Schofield (Heatstroke): “Just a little bit soon for him.”
Ben Thompson (Dream Roca): “Disappointing. Question mark over the mile. She was out on her feet late.”
Declan Bates (Voynichese): “She just struggled on the heavy track late. She’ll be a nice filly in the future on good ground.”
