Atishu aims for third Flemington G1 in the Australian Cup

While not necessarily considered alongside Chris Waller's other legendary horses, Atishu continues to be a formidable presence on the racetrack.

This seven-year-old mare is set to pursue her third Group 1 victory in the Australian Cup at Flemington this Saturday, aiming for her fourth Group 1 win overall.

Atishu shares her age with the likes of Pride Of Jenni and Deny Knowledge, both of whom have shown significant improvement as they've aged, and she too is continuing to develop.

Her third Group 1 win came last spring in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, followed by a second-place finish behind Via Sistina in the Champions Stakes (2000m) a week later.

Atishu had also placed second in the previous year’s Empire Rose before securing a victory in the Champions Stakes.

Having already completed two runs this campaign, her latest performance was a respectable fifth in the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) on March 8. According to assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth, Atishu is poised to enjoy the extra distance on Saturday.

“Her runs have been good and it’s well documented that she gets better the deeper she gets into a preparation,” Duckworth noted.

“She always carries plenty of condition and her best performances come on a quick backup.”

“She’s coming into this race with a three-week gap, so we’ve worked to get her a little fitter, a bit lighter, and not carrying as much condition as she usually does between runs.”

The All-Star Mile’s slow pace didn’t suit Atishu, but she made ground in the latter stages, finishing fifth just under 3.5 lengths behind Tom Kitten.

Duckworth is hopeful that the tempo of Saturday’s race, which includes Pride Of Jenni and Deny Knowledge, will be more conducive to Atishu’s style.

“In terms of race shape, she’ll likely sit towards the back, regardless of the other horses in the field,” Duckworth said.

“However, a faster tempo will give her a chance to make a move, and she loves Flemington, so we’re optimistic despite the competitive nature of this Group 1.”

Looking ahead, Duckworth mentioned the possibility of Atishu heading to the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf (1600m) at Randwick on April 12, which she won in 2023, or the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on the same day.

“If she comes out on top on Saturday, she’d certainly be a contender for the Queen Elizabeth,” Duckworth said.

“But for now, we’ll focus on Saturday and plan from there.”