Press Statement’s NZ filly Hold The Press filly will be set for black-type in the New Year after keeping her unbeaten record intact at Trentham.
Hold The Press had won on debut at Otaki earlier this month and defied running down to claim the Rat Tat Annual Plate (1200m) on Sunday. Starting an odds-on favourite, she railed up to lead linking with the course proper and responded in the straight to score by a half-length from Real Slim Tradie (Showcasing).
“She’s a very good filly and everything went right,” co-trainer Johno Benner said. “She possesses a lot of tactical pace which will hold her in good stead.
“She’s very quick to jump into the bridle which makes it a lot easier for Danielle (Johnson). We’re confident she can come back after a break and make the grade in stakes company.”
Hold The Press (3f Press Statement – Asset Rain by Encosta De Lago) is owned by Aspen Bloodstock’s Graham Cossar and is trained at Otaki by Benner and his partner Hollie Wynyard. She was a $35,000 buy from Baramul Stud at the 2019 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.
Press Statement has sired a half-dozen first-crop winners this month and there are more in the pipeline with Baby Wong (Scone) and Marcher Sur L’eau (Warwick Farm) winning trials on Friday.
Sydney trainer Annabel Neasham targeted Press Statement at the Inglis Ready2Race Sale last week and purchased his colt from Texas Spur (Flying Spur) for $120,000. “He was fully syndicated within a couple of days,” Neasham said. “He’s an exciting colt and Press Statement is one of my favourite stallions.”
Neasham had looked after several of the Press Statements as Sydney foreman for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace before going out on her own this season. The Cox Plate-winning team have hit the board with Press Statement winners Incredulous Dream, Equation and Major Murphy.
Vinery stands Press Statement for a $13,750 (inc GST) service fee, payable on a live foal. For further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
