Trainer Chris Waller will commence his assault on the Melbourne Spring Carnival with three runners in the feature race at Flemington on Saturday.
Waller has dispatched Atishu, Riff Rocket and Via Sistina to Melbourne to start in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m).
Via Sistina is expected renew hostilities with Pride Of Jenni Saturday’s race after the Ciaron Maher-trained mare trounced the Irish-bred import in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick in April after the mare had scored first-up at Rosehill the previous month.
Via Sistina resumed to capture the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 24, in which Riff Rocket and Atishu finished seventh and ninth respectively.
One thing in Riff Rocket’s and Atishu’s favour is their liking for the Flemington circuit with Riff Rocket winning three times from five starts with Atishu being a three-time winner and dual placegetter from six outings.
“It’s exciting taking three headline acts on tour,” Waller said.
“Atishu might lead them around while Riff Rocket has won a Derby there and Via Sistina, she’s the head girl of the block.
“They’ll venture down early in the week and have time to settle in at Flemington and we’re looking forward to it.”
Via Sistina is yet to race in Melbourne, having only had three Australian starts, all in Sydney.
In Via Sistina’s 16 starts, which has netted seven wins, the mare has raced left-handed on only two occasions, placing once, in a maiden at Thirsk on debut.
Waller said as an older mare, he does not expect racing left-handed for the first time in Australia to pose a problem.
“We have worked her left-handed, and she seems very natural working that way,” Waller said.
“We find Flemington the easiest of the tracks to negotiate and I think it will suit all three, and the big track is a plus and I think all three will appreciate racing there.
“Atishu, her record at Flemington is outstanding as is Riff Rocket’s, and Via Sistina, hopefully it will suit her also.”
