Oakfield Arrow hit a bulls-eye to reward Vinery sire Press Statement with his most profitable result to date in the $500,000 Four Pillars Midway Hcp (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
It capped a superb twelve months for Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan who has prepared the winners of seven Midway events since the concept was introduced last year. “It’s been a game changer,” she said after the rich pay-day. “It’s been amazing for our stable and the opportunities have just been phenomenal.”
Oakfield Arrow (5m Press Statement – Amberino by Perugino) had won two Midways at Rosehill earlier this year and was given every chance by Zac Lloyd after drawing wide in the capacity 20-horse field. “It’s absolutely surreal. Half-million dollar races don’t come along every day,” the 3kg apprentice claimed. “She began a bit tardy and I was happy to sit three-deep with cover. She was in a lovely rhythm and picked up very quickly when we peeled out in the straight.
“We probably hit the front a bit soon but there was still a bit left in the tank at the end.”
Oakfield Arrow is raced by Bruce Mackenzie and has significant resident value as a half-sister to multiple Group 3 winner Winter Bride (Not A Single Doubt). She was bred by Vinery partner Steve McCann (Encompass International) and was a $170,000 graduate from Vinery (as agent) at the 2019 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
“Bruce is one of our biggest supporters and leaves me to get on with it,” Buchanan revealed. “This mare has just been so consistent and this is the race we had in mind for her to really target. She drew badly but, the way the track was playing, I was happy where she settled.”
McCann has a yearling half-brother to Oakfield Arrow and Winter Bride from the first-crop of Vinery’s Group 1 winning sprinter Exceedance.
Sydney Stakes performer Roots is poised to win another feature race for Press Statement at Flemington this week. The Chris Waller-trained mare holds entries to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (Gr.3, 1400m) on Tuesday and $250,000 Inglis Bracelet (1600m) on Thursday.
Waller prepared Press Statement to Group 1 victories at two (BRC J J Atkins Stakes) and three (MRC Caulfield Guineas) and is the most successful trainer of his progeny with 14 wins.
Press Statement sired 10 winners of his own this month and among them was Press Down. The untapped 3yo was sent straight to the paddock for the Adelaide Autumn Carnival following a standout debut on October 14.
Vinery stands Press Statement for an $8,800 (inc GST) service fee. For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006)
