Chris Waller is aiming for another Group 1 victory with Atishu at Flemington.
The mare has joined Waller’s Flemington team in preparation for the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) on Saturday, followed by the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) three weeks later.
Atishu is no stranger to Group 1 success at Flemington, having won the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at last year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival, and the Champions Stakes (2000m) a year earlier.
Her last appearance at Flemington saw her finish behind Via Sistina in the Champions Stakes.
Waller noted that despite a reduction in prize money, the Group 1 status of the All-Star Mile made the race appealing for Atishu.
“It’s come back in prize money, but in my opinion, it’s added more value by being a Group 1,” Waller said.
“Group 1 status adds value, not just to Atishu, but also to her family lineage.”
Atishu arrives in Melbourne after a seventh-place finish in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on February 15.
Waller said the mare performed well first-up and had benefited from the run.
“She ran behind Via Sistina and Fangirl, drew wide, got back, and finished strongly,” Waller said.
“She’s trained on well since and had a couple of gallops in Sydney.”
Waller believes the Flemington circuit is well-suited to Atishu’s racing style.
“Flemington is a fantastic track. All horses get their chance,” Waller said.
“It has a long straight, a sweeping bend, and a consistent surface. Atishu loves these conditions and can build momentum before finishing strongly.”
Waller added, “I think all tracks should strive to be like Flemington if we could get it 52 weeks of the year.”