Nothing to be sneezed at
Exciting three-year-old Savabeel filly, Atishu, is following up an impressive debut effort last month with a tilt at the $50,000 Listed Whanganui Guineas this Saturday.
On debut in the 3Y0 fillies 1100 metres at Taupo on the 12th of August, Atishu was a hard finishing second, beaten a nose in a strong field with trainer Stephen Marsh rapt with her performance. “I have a high opinion of this filly and she has a big future ahead. It is a big ask stepping up to stakes company, but her ability is not in doubt and it is nice to tackle black type early in the season when the right race presents itself.”
Says Racing Manager Albert Bosma, “She was a $260,000 purchase from Waikato Stud at the sales, which we felt was good value – she was one of the standout fillies of that year. Her full sister made $875,000 the year before and it is a very current and exciting family centred around Group 1 AJC Oaks winner, Daffodil.
“The Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas will be Atishu’s grand final at Riccarton on the 14th of November and this is a nice stepping stone along the way. We are hoping the track dries out a little, but she handled the slow 7 at Taupo OK, so in the slow range would be nice. Whether her barrier of 2 turns out to be good or in the worst part of the track, we will have to wait and see, and Daryl Bradley will ride her accordingly.”
“We believe she will be best on good footing, but it is early September and anything better than a heavy track is welcome.”