Chris Waller plans to run classy mare Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) in next month’s A$2.5 million Gr.1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington, with fellow Group One-winning mares Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) and Fangirl (Sebring) to remain in Sydney this autumn.
The champion trainer confirmed that four-time Flemington winner Atishu will contest the All-Star Mile on March 8, before tackling the A$2.5m Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington three weeks later.
“Atishu is just so brilliant at Flemington,” Waller explained. “She is a length behind Fangirl and Via Sistina, but at her last run there (Flemington) she ran a great second to Via Sistina and the All-Star Mile just looks a very good race for her before she goes onto the Australian Cup.”
Atishu has campaigned four times in Melbourne across her 48-start career and has won a race at Flemington each time she has come down from Sydney.
In 2022, it was the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m), before she returned 12 months later to win the Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m). In the autumn of 2024, she won the Gr.2 Blamey Stakes (1600m), before last spring claiming the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m).
Waller said he considered the race for Fangirl, but decided to keep her at home despite it meaning she has to clash during her campaign with Cox Plate-winning stablemate Via Sistina.
“The All-Star Mile is great prizemoney, but the Chipping Norton (Verry Elleegant Stakes) is in our back yard so both Via Sistina and Fangirl will run there next Saturday,” Waller said.
“It’s been a good race for us, win or lose it, as a good stepping stone to a George Ryder (Gr.1, 1500m) for her (Fangirl) and Via Sistina will probably go to the Ranvet (Gr.1, 2000m).
“They’ll have to race against each other on Saturday, but after that they can run on the same day but in different races.”
Waller’s confirmation of Atishu as the stable’s All-Star Mile runner will have a big bearing on the early market for the race. Currently, Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) ($3.50) holds sway over Gr.1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) winner Another Wil (Street Boss) ($4.50), with Via Sistina marked at $5, Fangirl at $6 and Atishu at $7.