Too Many Options for Atishu

Go Racing manager Albert Bosma has a good problem with classy mare Atishu (Savabeel-Posy, by No Excuse Needed) after her win on the weekend, reports racingnews.co.nz. Her spring targets will either be the Gr1 Epsom Handicap, the $7.5 million Golden Eagle or the Gr1 Caulfield Cup. "While it was something special to witness it gave us no clarity whatsoever moving forward," Bosma said. "Her pedigree says she will run 2400m, but she is running so well over shorter distances that we think she will be competitive between 1400m and 2400m no matter where she goes. I must say I am leaning towards the Golden Eagle as she is still only four and has plenty of time to consider a Caulfield Cup next season. At this stage I believe she will run at Randwick over 1500m next and if she performs to expectations there then we will make plans for the Golden Eagle, whereas if she proves a little dour in that second-up run then we can aim for the Caulfield Cup instead." Atishu has now won her last five starts in succession, and had a further five starts prior to that, taking her record to five wins from ten starts. She is a dual Listed winner in New Zealand, and was a NZ$260,000 purchase from the Waikato Stud draft at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale.

Atishu brought her A game to Australia (pic: Steve Hart)