Empire Rose Stakes redemption for Atishu

At her third attempt, Atishu has finally added the Empire Rose Stakes to her ever-growing record.

The only Group 1 race run for fillies and mares during the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington, Atishu has finally been lauded the winner after finishing fifth in her first attempt before chasing home Pride Of Jenni in last year’s edition.

Atishu is the latest seven-year-old mare to prove herself at the highest level, joining Bella Nipotina as a Group 1 winner this season while Pride Of Jenni has a Group 2 win under the belt.

Supplying champion trainer Chris Waller and champion jockey James Mcdonald with their second Group 1 win of the day, Atishu, the $3.60 betting site favourite, scored by a head from Amelia’s Jewel ($5) with Socks Nation ($61) a further 1-½ lengths away third.

Waller said the return to Flemington was beneficial for Atishu as was getting onto a firmer track.

Atishu’s first two Melbourne runs for the campaign had been on wet ground at Flemington, while she improved off a quick back-up when third in the Group 1 Might And Power (2000m).

Despite coming back in distance, Atishu was well supported, and Waller said the mare was likely to back up in the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington next week where she will be pitted again stablemate and Cox Plate winner Via Sistina.

“I think more than anything, just the confidence of knowing how well she goes at Flemington gave her confidence,” Waller said.

“She’s a year older, so she just takes that bit longer to find a Grand Final, but we had a little bit of confidence today that the Grand Final was here this week.

“There is a pretty good chance, to run next week, but she’ll get some good opposition.”

McDonald said he was incredibly proud of Atishu who turns up and performs at the elite level.

He said although the pace felt ‘pedestrian’, it built steadily through the race which suited Atishu.

“She began nicely, and that was my only goal, to get her going,” McDonald said.

“Her performance here last year, I couldn’t believe she got beaten, and then as it’s turned out, it was Pride Of Jenni who is an absolute star.

“She (Atishu) is just a quality mare, and I’m really proud of her.”