Atishu’s class to fore again at Flemington

Atishu was in a league of her own at Flemington where she thumped her rivals in the G2
Blamey Stakes on Saturday afternoon.

The Chris Waller-trained representative looked particularly well-placed in the set weights and penalties event over 1600 metres and so it proved with the Savabeel mare coasting to victory.

Atishu was given a sweet run by rider Blake Shinn in fifth spot off the rail and, after challenging 300 metres from home, they eased clear to win with plenty in reserve.

“She got into a lovely rhythm and Blake was very soft on her, she just loves Flemington,” Waller’s Racing Manager Charlie Duckworth said.

“We are delighted to get the win, she’s got a wicked turn of foot as we’ve seen time and time again.”

She has now won 10 races, including the Mackinnon Stakes and the Queen of the Turf Stakes at Group 1 level.

Atishu’s victory also carried the added bonus of a berth in the A$4 million All-Star Mile, although a start for the Waikato Stud-bred and sold mare is yet to be confirmed.

“Chris’ main thoughts were to try and take out the Australian Cup (G1, 2000m) so I’ll leave that up to him and the owners,” Duckworth said.

Atishu was purchased at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale by Albert Bosma’s Go Racing for $260,000.

She is a daughter of the No Excuse Needed mare Posy, also the dam of the recently retired G3 Desert Gold Stakes winner Mazzolino, and she is a sister to the three-time Group 1 winner Daffodil from the family of top-flight winners Aegon and Good Faith.

Posy also has an unraced juvenile sister to Atishu named Dream All Day and is in foal to Ardrossan.