Punters who follow omen tips were right on the money when Media Man won the Press Statement at Vinery Hcp (1500m) at Muswellbrook on Sunday.
Media Man is a son of Press Statement and was coming off a last-to-first victory at Skellatar Park. “That’s makes it two-in-a-row here and it’s a lovely piece of symmetry,” trainer Mark Minervini said at Muswellbrook. “A Press Statement winning the Press Statement Hcp!
“He was slowly away again but was able to circle the field, round his rivals up and win running away.”
Media Man is the fifth winner from Mary Of Modena (Encosta De Lago) and the best of them has been Testa Rossa mare Chaillot. In another family coincidence, she has claimed three black-type victories to date including last year’s Testa Rossa Stakes (LR, 1200m) at Sandown.
Baramul Stud bred and sold Media Man for $30,000 at the 2018 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale and he’s raced by a syndicate managed by Minervini’s wife Michelle.
Press Statement and Baramul made it a double an hour later when Cartography was successful in the Pelican Rocks Cafe Hcp (1200m) at Nowra. Bred and initially raced by Baramul owner Gerry Harvey, he had won a Taree maiden third time out for trainer Kris Lees in March 2021.
Moruya-based Matt Stephens saddled Cartography for the first time on Sunday and, for the first time in his career, the gelding employed front-running tactics to defeat Shaddy (Hallowed Crown) and Flower Press (Press Statement).
His dam L’amoureuse (More Than Ready) is a half-sister to Hareeba Stakes LR winner Jolie Blonde (Testa Rossa) and the Press Statement – More Than Ready cross has an 88% winning strike-rate.
Press Statement (Hinchinbrook) has sired 9 individual Australian winners in the first three weeks of the season led by Regal Pom, Oakfield Avenue and Notions. Vinery has priced him competitively at an $8,800 (inc GST) service fee this season and for bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
Press Statement will parade at Vinery Stud’s Open Days next Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28 starting at 8.30am. RSVP is essential. Email: mckoy@vinery.com.au
