Trainer Chris Waller will chase more Group 1 glory on Derby Day at Flemington this weekend including saddling-up the top fancied mare Atishu in the 2024 Empire Rose Stakes field.
He has prepared two past champions of the Group 1 $1 million Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) with Red Tracer (2013) and Shillelagh (2018).
The stable came close last year when Atishu ran a length second to Pride Of Jenni in the quinella before her Group 1 VRC Champions Stakes (2000m) success just seven days later.
The now seven-year-old daughter of Savabeel returns lining up in her third straight Empire Rose Stakes having also placed fifth to Icebath back in 2022.
She is the current favourite in Empire Rose Stakes betting at $4.40 through Ladbrokes.com.au to go one better than last year following some good lead-up runs this prep including a last start third in the Group 1 Might And Power (2000m) at Caulfield with James McDonald to ride from gate nine.
Second favourite at Empire Rose Stakes odds of $5.50 after drawing a treat in gate two is former WA mare and Group 1 champion Amelia’s Jewel now under the care of Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald.
Jamie Kah has the ride on the bonny five-year-old third-up with Amelia’s Jewel looking for her first win since the Group 2 Stocks Stakes last September.
While she comes off a notable winning drought, her recent form has been solid including a Golden Pendant second and last start fifth to Ceolwulf in the $5 million King Charles III Stakes in Sydney.
Following closely in the markets at $7 is New Zealand raider Orchestral for Roger James & Robert Wellwood.
The bonny Savabeel four-year-old is out to recapture her form from earlier in the year when winning five races on the trot including the Group 1 NZ Derby (2400m) and Rosehill’s Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) as a filly.
She lost few admirers when a close third to Autumn Angel in the Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m) but has been disappointing with back-to-back sixths this time in.
At her latest she was nearly 10 lengths beaten in the Toorak behind runaway winner Antino over the Caulfield mile, a distance she sticks too at Flemington this weekend drawn wider out in barrier 12 for Mark Zahra.
Plenty Of Ammo meanwhile is the early Empire Rose Stakes market mover for Symon Wilde backed into $7.
This ultra-consistent mare is a daughter of 100/1 Derby champ Rebel Raider and comes off a Group 2 Crystal Mile second on Cox Plate Day last weekend.
She’s fit on the quick back-up and has a good mile record.
The 2024 Empire Rose Stakes is scheduled as Flemington Race 8 at 5:00pm (AEDT) as the penultimate Derby Day race.
Empire Rose Stakes 2024 Odds & Results
| Runner Details | Win | Place |
|---|---|---|
|
1st
1. Atishu (9)
J: James McDonald 57kg
T: Chris Waller |
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|
2nd
2. Amelia's Jewel (2)
J: Jamie Kah 57kg
T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald |
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|
3rd
10. Socks Nation (13)
J: John Allen 57kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
||
|
4th
7. Alsephina (6)
J: Blake Shinn 57kg
T: G & A Williams |
||
|
5th
5. Zardozi (11)
J: Daniel Stackhouse 57kg
T: James Cummings |
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|
6th
8. Lekvarte (7)
J: Josh Parr 57kg
T: Joseph Pride |
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|
7th
6. Kimochi (1)
J: Hugh Bowman 57kg
T: Gary Portelli |
||
|
8th
11. Grinzinger Belle (8)
J: Damian Lane 57kg
T: Danny O'Brien |
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|
9th
13. Plenty Of Ammo (3)
J: Jordan Childs 57kg
T: Symon Wilde |
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|
10th
12. Lady In Pink (5)
J: Ben Allen 57kg
T: L & T Corstens & W Larkin |
||
|
11th
9. See You In Heaven (10)
J: Jake Toeroek 57kg
T: R & C Jolly |
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|
12th
3. Orchestral (12)
J: Mark Zahra 57kg
T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood |
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|
13th
4. Revolutionary Miss (4)
J: Michael Dee 57kg
T: Ciaron Maher |
Data retrieved: 23/11/2024 06:14:02 PM (Australia/Brisbane)
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Race comments
The G1 Empire Rose Stakes. ATISHU (1) goes on top. She looked a bit out of form to start the campaign but the signs were there in the G1 Turnbull Stakes two back when showing something late, 3.5 lengths off Via Sistina. That form looks world-class now. She ran on well last time at G1 level and getting back to Flemington suits. If she runs to her best, she likely wins. AMELIA'S JEWEL (2) hasn't really lived up to the early hype but she's racing well in Sydney. Her run in the G1 King Charles III last time behind Ceolwulf & Pride Of Jenni is very good form and she's suited at the set weights. PLENTY OF AMMO (13) is a very progressive mare who won well last week against the boys. Gives a sight. ALSEPHINA (7) beat a few key rivals two back before a tough third to Antino at G1 level last start. Can figure. KIMOCHI (6) is going okay and could get a nice run from the inside gate with Bowman down to ride.