The local side drew a blank as New Zealand-breds claimed six of the seven Group 1 races over the two days of The Championship following the barnstorming win of the Savabeel mare Atishu (NZ) in the $1,000,000 Sydney Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m).
Ridden by Nash Rawiller for Chris Waller, Atishu powered to the line to defeat the courageous Dundeel filly Hope In Your Heart by two and a half lengths with the 5yo More Than Ready (USA) mare More Secrets a half-length back in third.
With four black-type wins under her belt and six stakes-placings, Atishu advances her record to eight four six from 30 starts with earnings of $1,624,120.
“It’s been a great day’s racing,” Waller said.
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“We didn’t have a runner in the Queen Elizabeth this year, but it’s great to see William Haggas bring his horse (Dubai Honour). He was amazing, and Anamoe lost no admirers.
“But to win a Group 1 race the next race, it’s pretty special and well deserved. She was a bit stiff last start (second in the Emancipation Stakes) and given a beautiful ride from Nash (Rawiller). She went to a new level.
“It’s not all about the boom horses, it’s the late developers as well, and that’s the beauty of spring and autumn, you can see things change a lot.
“To her credit, she didn’t have much go her way in the spring. She’s got her Group 1 today.
“She stood flatfooted in the barriers a few times. She’s enjoying her racing, she’s wanting to be there, and it showed at the 300m today how serious she is about being a racehorse.”
The Group 1 NZ-bred Honour Roll
- Atishu (NZ)
- Explosive Jack (NZ)
- Pennyweka (NZ)
- Major Beel (NZ)
- Mr Brightside (NZ)
- I Wish I Win (NZ)
- Militarize (NZ)
Albert Bosma’s Go Racing went to $260,000 to secure Atishu as a yearling from Waikato Stud’s 2019 Karaka Book 1 draft.
The 5yo daughter of Savabeel is a sister to Group III winner Mazzolino
Bred by Waikato Stud, Atishu is one of four winners from five to race 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.
Atishu is the 31st Group 1 winner for Savabeel and the third winner at the highest level at The Championships after I Wish I Win in the TJ Smith Stakes and Major Beel in the ATC Australian Derby.
