Multiple Group One winner Atishu will commence what could be a lucrative autumn campaign when she heads to Caulfield on Saturday to contest the Gr.1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m).
Racing in the silks of New Zealand syndicator Go Racing, Atishu was a standout over Melbourne Cup week, finishing runner-up to fellow Kiwi-bred Pride Of Jenni in the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) before going one better seven days later in the Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m).
The daughter of Savabeel has had two lead-in trials ahead of her first-up assignment this weekend and pleased trainer Chris Waller with her work at Caulfield on Tuesday.
The leading Sydney conditioner has earmarked the A$4 All-Star Mile (1600m) and A$3 million Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) for the six-year-old mare.
“She’ll hopefully go down the All-Star Mile route,” Waller told Racing.com. “She’s quite forward. I don’t know if she would be sharp enough to win the Orr, but it’s a good starting point.
“Third-up, most likely the All-Star Mile and then the Australian Cup. She loves Flemington.”
Atishu can win a spot in the All-Star Mile this weekend, or the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes over the same course and distance a fortnight later, or the Gr.2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) next month, but could also be the recipient of one of the several wild cards on offer if she weren’t to win one of the final win-and-you’re-in races.
So far, Racing Victoria has issued wildcards to New Zealand-breds Mr Brightside, Pride Of Jenni and Jimmysstar.
