Champion trainer Chris Waller has revealed his plans for his stable stars this autumn, with the classy mare Atishu set to contest the $2.5 million All-Star Mile at Flemington next month. Meanwhile, fellow Group 1 winners Via Sistina and Fangirl will remain in Sydney for their campaigns.
Waller confirmed that four-time Flemington winner Atishu will run in the All-Star Mile on March 8, before taking on the $2.5 million Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington three weeks later.
“Atishu is just so brilliant at Flemington,” Waller said. “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.”
Throughout her 48-start career, Atishu has ventured to Melbourne four times, and each time she has returned from Sydney with a win at Flemington. Her victories include:
- 2022 G2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m)
- 2023 G1 Champions Stakes (2000m)
- 2024 G2 Blamey Stakes (1600m)
- 2024 G1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m)
Waller also considered sending Fangirl to Melbourne for the All-Star Mile but opted to keep her in Sydney, where she will race against her Cox Plate-winning stablemate, Via Sistina, in the Verry Elleegant Stakes next Saturday.
“The All-Star Mile is great prizemoney, but the Chipping Norton (Verry Elleegant Stakes) is in our backyard, so both Via Sistina and Fangirl will run there next Saturday,” Waller explained.
Waller added, “It’s been a good race for us, win or lose it, as a good stepping stone to a George Ryder for her (Fangirl) and Via Sistina will probably go to the Ranvet.”
“They’ll have to race against each other on Saturday, but after that they can run on the same day but in different races.”
With Waller’s confirmation of Atishu as the stable’s runner for the All-Star Mile, the betting markets are already reacting. Atishu is currently priced at $7, with the other top contenders being:
- Mr Brightside – $3.50
- Another Wil (C.F. Orr Stakes winner) – $4.50
- Via Sistina – $5
- Fangirl – $6
Waller shared his thoughts on the performance of his Cox Plate champion, Via Sistina, who came close to victory first-up in the Apollo Stakes, finishing narrowly behind Fangirl after encountering some traffic issues during the race.
“She was good, but she never really got fully tested unfortunately,” he said. “She was snookered and got out late and got to the line well and she’ll bounce over a mile next start.”
Waller also confirmed that Via Sistina’s regular jockey, James McDonald, will partner her in the Verry Elleegant Stakes and will continue riding her throughout the autumn campaign. McDonald’s schedule will not conflict with his commitments to his Hong Kong champion, Romantic Warrior.
