Vinery Stud and the China Horse Club recently purchased an interest in unbeaten 3yo Press Statement and he did not disappoint when appearing for the first time in the China Horse Club colours in a trial on August 4.
Jockey Tye Angland has high hopes for the spring carnival after partnering the Chris Waller thrained, undefeated colt in a 900 metre trial at Rosehill on Tuesday morning.
The trial was Press Statement’s first appearance since triumphing in the Group I JJ Atkins (1600m) back in June.
After beginning well, Press Statement settled in the box seat, allowing the Hawkes Racing-trained Headwater, another Vinery 3yo colt, and Gerald Ryan‘s unraced colt Deploy to take up the running.
In the straight, Angland peeled Press Statement out into clear running, spotting the leaders about three lengths.
The son of Hinchinbrook travelled on the bridle and cut the margin back to 1 ¾ lengths while the leaders were punched out to the line. Headwater was second by a head, while Press Statement ran 53.50 seconds on a soft (6) surface, the second quickest 900 metre heat of the morning.
Though only given a short winter let-up, Press Statement has returned a stronger and more furnished horse according to Angland.
“He went super, he looked bigger and stronger, he’s a very well-mannered colt and will do whatever you want him to do,” Angland said.
“He jumped well put himself just in behind the leaders and his last 200 (metres), he really started to quicken up and make ground so I was very impressed.
“He’ll improve off that and I think he’ll have a really good three-year-old season.
“He’s on the way up, he’s an untapped horse that was thrown in the deep end in the JJ Atkins and won. The reports are that he’s eating really well and once we get him to the races you’re going to see a nice horse.”
Press Statement is expected have another trial before resuming in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) on August 29.
The primary spring target will be the $1 million Golden Rose (1400m) on September 12 followed by a potential trip to Melbourne for the Group I Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on October 31.
With the likes of Vancouver, Pride Of Dubai and Exosphere also expected to start in the Golden Rose, Angland is predicting a highly competitive spring carnival for this season’s crop of 3yo’s.
“The three-year-olds this year are going to be very competitive and it’s going come down to the right ride and the right run throughout the race to win,” he said. “So it’s going to be an exciting spring carnival.”
