Atishu blows them away in NZB Airfreight Stakes
Atishu connections at the presentation of the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes. Photo: Race Images South
Exciting filly Atishu blew her rivals away to win the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton Park by seven lengths on Saturday.
Previously stakes placed in the Wanganui Guineas in September, Atishu earned favoritism for Saturday’s race winning her last two starts.
Jumping from barrier 12 on Saturday, jockey Kozzi Asano settled her in the rear of the field before asking her to extend at the 600m mark, which she duly did, looping the field to win in sensational style.
“That was just amazing wasn’t it and she just put paid to them so quickly,” trainer Stephen Marsh said.
“I had her ready to go to for the (Listed) Warstep Stakes in a fortnight, but the way she has won today, we might have to have a look at Brisbane for the Oaks (Gr.1, 2200m) there instead.”
Go Racing Racing Manager Albert Bosma said that Atishu is likely to head across the Tasman, following Saturday’s dominant performance.
“We are rapt for her owners, the Go Racing Ring A Ring syndicate and excited to see her progress further,” he said.
Now a stakes winner, the well-bred filly has great residual value which could be further boosted by group success in Australia.
Atishu is by Savabeel out of Posy, a full sister to multiple Group One winner Daffidol.
She was bred and sold by Waikato Stud and purchased by Go Racing for $260,000 at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 sale at Karaka.
Atishu is the latest addition to a top-quality list of fillies purchased by Go Racing, which includes Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas and Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes winner Hasahalo, Karaka Million and Gr.1 Diamond Stakes winner Ruud Awakening, Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks winner and Listed Wanganui Cup winner Sentimental Miss, Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile winner Ruud Not Too and Gr.3 Mr Tiz Trophy, dual Listed winner No More Tears who was also Group Placed in Sydney.
“It’s very satisfying for us because we work really had at the sales to find these horses,” Racing Manager Albert Bosma said.
Go Racing’s latest purchase is a Sebring filly bought at last week’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in Syndey for A$100,000. The quality filly is a half-sister to last season’s Gr.3 MRC Vain Stakes winner Tony Nicconi.
“She’s a lovely athletic filly who will be trained by Stephen Marsh.” Bosma said.
“We managed to secure her at outstanding value with the sale averaging A$370,000, she’s already proving popular but there are shares remaining if anyone wants to get involved.”