Atishu heads Waller’s strong hand around the country
Atishu’s form is nothing to sneeze at, according to master trainer Chris Waller heading into the Ballarat Cup on Saturday.
Her last start was an excellent two-length victory in the Matriarch Stakes over 2000m at Flemington on November 5, and as a result she is the $3.10 favourite with online betting sites over the same staying distance.
The five-year-old mare – with champion jockey Damien Oliver aboard – has Waller’s tick of approval going into the Listed feature worth $500,000.
The Sydney conditioner’s only concern is the condition of the track, with plenty of rain forecast for Saturday despite the track being a Good 4 on race morning.
“She’s going terrific, isn’t she? Over 2000m last start she was strong at the finish,” he said.
“She wouldn’t like it too wet – I’d say Soft 7 and better.
“She would (get away with an 8). She’s well-placed here.”
Stablemate Desert Icon is a $21 winning chance.
Like Atishu, Waller was hoping the track would dry a little overnight.
“Soft 6 or better for this fella,” he said.
“But he’s going well. It’s the right race and the right type of distance.
“He’s freshened up well since his last run.”
Yonkers has been given $16 winning odds for Waller in the Railway Stakes at Ascot.
For this race, he said his biggest concern was the distance.
“A mile might be a bit short, but as long as he’s attacking the line,” Waller said.
“And two weeks time over 1800 in the Northerly will probably suit him better.”
Waller also believes Kolding ($21) and Oscar Zulu ($14) can compete well in the $1 million The Gong at Kembla Grange.
Kolding finished 10th and 5.25-lengths behind winner Alligator Blood in the Champions Mile last start on November 5.
“I thought his run was OK in the Champions Mile in Melbourne,” he said.
“Back to handicap (competition) – good track, good draw. He gets his chance.
“He needs to run top-five, though.”
Oscar Zulu has the stamina to finish strongly over the mile distance.
“Goulburn Cup winner last start. He rarely runs a bad race,” Waller said.
“Drawn a little bit wide (barrier 13), but with a bit of cover midfield he can power on home.”
And like Atishu, Waller likes the chances of $18 outsider and fellow five-year-old mare She’s The Gift in the Mooloolaba Cup.
“Tricky draw (barrier 15). She likes to go forward just from the gate, and roll across and sit up on the speed,” he said.
“And she just keeps going that one speed. She’s tough. Just keeps fighting.
“It’s the right race for her.”