Chris Waller is aiming for another Group 1 victory with Atishu at Flemington.

The talented mare has joined Waller’s Flemington stable in preparation for the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) on Saturday, followed by the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) three weeks later.

Atishu boasts an impressive record at Flemington, having secured two Group 1 victories. She won the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) during last year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival, and a year prior, she claimed the Champions Stakes (2000m) after finishing runner-up in the Empire Rose.

Her most recent appearance at Flemington saw her finish second to Via Sistina in last year’s Champions Stakes.

Waller said the decision to send Atishu south was influenced by the All-Star Mile gaining Group 1 status, despite a reduction in prize money.

“It’s come back in prize money, but in my opinion, it’s added more value by being a Group 1,” Waller said.

“What a Group 1 does is add value, not just to the horse, not only Atishu, but her mother, her brothers, her sisters, and the further down.”

Atishu resumes at Flemington after kicking off her campaign with a seventh-place finish in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on February 15.

Waller said she performed well first-up and had taken improvement from the run.

“She ran behind Via Sistina and Fangirl, and that day she drew wide, got back, and finished off nicely,” Waller said.

“She’s trained on really well since and has had a couple of gallops back in Sydney.

“She loves Flemington and is a multiple Group 1 winner here. She loves the mile, so that’s good timing, and then it will be on to the Australian Cup from there.”

Waller highlighted that Flemington’s layout plays to Atishu’s strengths, allowing her to settle early and finish strongly.

“Flemington is a fantastic track. All horses get their chance,” Waller said.

“It has a lovely, long straight, a sweeping bend, and it’s always a good surface, very consistent.

“Atishu relishes those sorts of conditions and track, and it suits her racing style. She likes to be left alone, build momentum, and finish off strong.

“I think all tracks should strive to be like Flemington if we could get it 52 weeks of the year.”