Press Statement’s charge up the third-season winners’ table continued this week with his latest maiden winners Sneaky Starter (Sunshine Coast) and No Statement (Hawkesbury).
Sneaky Starter opened the Vinery sire’s 2yo account this season in the Global Turf Maiden (1000m) on Melbourne Cup Day. She streeted the field on debut with more than four lengths between minor placegetters Spanish Angels (Sidestep) and Majorelle (Zoustar).
Local trainer Mick Mair bought a bargain when paying $15,000 to Baramul Stud at this year’s Gold Coast Magic Millions on behalf of his wife Belinda and part-owner Bobbie Battershell. “She was in Book 2 and I really liked her on type,” Mair recalled. “She was a goer from Day 1 and has pulled up perfectly since Tuesday.
“Tiff Brooker rode her a treat and I will nominate her for the Saturday city meeting here in a fortnight (November 20). I will spread out her races as she’s eligible for the Magic Millions Classic in January. It’s a big call but, at the very least, I want to give her the opportunity to qualify.”
Sneaky Starter (2f Press Statement – You’re Funny by Congrats) has Group 1 form close up in a pedigree that includes Ha Ha (STC Golden Slipper Stakes) and Go Indy Go (ATC Champagne Stakes).
Mike Van Gestel had intended to spell his Press Statement gelding No Statement last week but gave him one more run at Hawkesbury on Thursday so that his grand-daughters could watch him run on Ladies Day.
That decision paid off when No Statement led throughout in the Macquarie Liberals Hcp (1100m) for Van Gestel and his wife Louisa. “The girls wanted to go to the races and I relented. They were excited to see him win but he’s definitely off to the paddock now. He’s a nice horse and has done a good job in his first preparation. I’m sure he will be even better next time in.”
No Statement (3g Press Statement – Berning Affair by Bernardini) was bred by the Van Gestels from a mare closely related to Group 1 stars Haradasun, Elvstroem and Highland Reel. “We bought Berning Affair carrying No Statement and later on-sold the mare to Gerry Harvey,” Mike said. “I’m getting too old to be breeding too many horses.”
Press Statement has sired 21 individual winners this season and that puts him in fourth spot behind Spill The Beans (28), Headwater (24) and Pride Of Dubai (23) on the third-crop winners’ premiership. His Melbourne-based 3yo Daily Bugle earned more black-type at Flemington on Saturday with a fast-finishing third in the VRC Amanda Elliott (LR, 1400m).
Vinery stands Press Statement for a $13,750 (inc GST) service fee with payment on a live foal. For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
