Atishu on song for Shannon Stakes

Trainer Chris Waller believes Atishu has been the forgotten runner from the Gr.2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m).

The Savabeel five-year-old finished seventh first-up in the race a fortnight ago, which was won by her stablemate Kiku.

“She ran terrific first-up,” Waller said of the mare raced by New Zealand syndicator Go Racing.

“Everyone spoke about the winner Kiku but this horse ran pretty well. She didn’t get a lot of clear room.”

Waller has been pleased with her progress ahead of the Gr.2 Shannon Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday where she has drawn gate 10 in the 11-horse field.

“She has drawn wide but if she gets a fair crack at them, I think she is ready to run a race,” he said.

The Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) is a possible target in her next start, however, Waller said there are plenty of options for the mare.

“There are lots of options, she would have to be impressive (to back up in the Epsom),” he said.

Bred by Waikato Stud, Atishu is by Savabeel out of the No Excuse Needed mare Posy, who won two races and is a sister to the former Champion Three-Year-Old and multiple Group One winner Daffodil, who has produced three stakes performers in Grand De Flora, Grand Bouquet and Snowdrop.

Albert Bosma’s Go Racing went to $260,000 to secure Atishu as a yearling from Waikato Stud’s 2019 Karaka Book 1 draft.