The Chris Waller-trained has produced a stunning turn of foot to claim the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes under Nash Rawiller.
Despite being sent around as a $10 chance with online bookmakers, the five-year-old mare put the writing on the wall last start when charging home into second in the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes behind stablemate Roots.
Nash Rawiller had Atishu stalk race favourite Alcohol Free throughout the event and when the favourite was asked to quicken, Rawiller and Atishu raced straight past to put up what would be a winning break.
Kerry Parker’s Hope In Your Heart was a tough watch for backers struggling to find clear air at a crucial time before running on into second, with roughie More Secrets filling the trifecta placings.
Atishu was off and gone with the prize, with Rawiller able to pose for the photo some 2.5 lengths clear of Hope In Your Heart.
2023 Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes Replay – Atishu
It was Chris Waller’s second Group 1 win of The Championships, following Militarize’s win in last weekend’s Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes.
“It’s pretty special and well deserved. She was a bit stiff last start and given a beautiful ride from Nash (Rawiller) and she just really went to a new level,” said Waller.
“It’s not all about the boom horses, it’s the late developers as well and that’s the beauty of spring and autumn you can see things change a lot.
“To her credit she didn’t have a lot go her way in the spring.
“She’s got her Group 1 today.”
Rawiller was on board Atishu when things didn’t go to plan in the Emancipation Stakes, but bounced back in style on Saturday.
“Just thanking the owners for the last time. Everything went wrong and you know one of Chris’s (Waller) they’re going to improve, train on and be a better horse today,” said Rawiller.
“I learned a lot about her last time, today from (gate) one I was full of confidence.
“I was a little concerned when I was so far in front with 300m to go, it’s a long straight Randwick, but I knew she was going to find something.”
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