Lightly raced three-year-old Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) proved she was up to stakes class when finishing runner-up in the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) on Saturday.
Racing in the silks of syndicator Go Racing, the daughter of Savabeel was having just her second career start after finishing second on debut at Taupo last month.
Despite striking traffic problems, Atishu found the line well to finish second to talented filly Only Words.
Trainer Stephen Marsh has confirmed Group One targets await the cleverly-named Atishu, who is out of the No Excuse Needed mare Posy.
“She is being aimed at the 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) and we may even give the 2000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) some thought,” Marsh said.
“She will have a week off now and you won’t see her again until October 2 at Te Rapa in a three-year-old 1200m race.”