NZ-based Press Statement mare Hold The Press has notched her first black-type victory for trainers Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard in the Levin Stakes (LR, 1200m) at Otaki.
Thursday’s home-town win was never in doubt once she speared through a gap on the corner to establish a margin at the top of the straight. She was off and gone for Lisa Allpress to score by the best part of three lengths on the line.
“We’re so proud of the sweetest little lady who gives her all every time she runs!” Benner Racing reported. “It was a perfect ride by Lisa for her owners Graeme and Leah Causer who are huge supporters of our stable. It was a very good win and she was dominant. She’s fit and going well and it was a pleasant surprise to beat Butler.”
Hold The Press is the 11th individual winner in the last month by Vinery sire Press Statement and she’s also the fourth Stakes winner from his first crop.
Bred by Gerry Harvey and sold through the Baramul Stud draft for $35,000 at the 2019 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, she first came to attention with wins at Otaki (2) and Trentham as a spring 3yo prior to a courageous, front-running fourth in the Wellington Guineas (Gr.2, 1600m).
Her New Year goal is the Westbury Classic (Gr.2, 1400m) at Pukekohe in January 21. “It’s a nice fillies and mares race on Karaka Million night,” Johno Benner said. “She’s quite a valuable broodmare now but we won’t get too far ahead of ourselves.”
Her dam Asset Rain (Encosta De Lago) is a three-quarter sister to Group 1 winner Titanic Jack (VRC Emirates Stakes) and the dam of Group 1 winner Hasahalo (NZ 1,000 Guineas). The mare’s final foal is a 2yo Headwater filly with South Island trainer Paul Harris that also sold for $35,000 at the 2022 Magic Millions National Sale.
Press Statement’s winning run this month reached double figures in Australia on Wednesday when I Am News won for the second time at Sandown. His first Lakeside score had been at the corresponding November meeting last year.
I Am The News is trained by Gavin Bedggood for a Slade Bloodstock syndicate and he toughed out a narrow decision over Barretta (Ire) in the Lockett Hcp (1500m). Bedggood revealed the plan was to lead until Arron Lynch let another import Brian Epstein (Ire) roll to the lead. “Arron summed it up and grabbed a hold. He let him slide down the hill and he kept up that momentum.
“He can hold a gallop for a long time and it was perfectly executed. He’s a straightforward, lovely horse and it’s good to get a win for Rob Slade.”
I Am The News is another Baramul graduate from the Magic Millions Nationals having made $28,000 at the 2018 Weanling Sale on the Gold Coast. His dam Red Chilli Peppers (Hussonet) also foaled Shot Put (Shooting To Win) to win a 3yo maiden for the late Mick Mair at the Sunshine Coast in September.
Press Statement also has the Chris Waller-trained mare Roots an opening favourite for the black-type Summoned Stakes (Gr.3, 1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday. She is no better than $3.20 following a dominant victory in the $250,000 VRC Inglis Bracelet (1600m) at Flemington earlier this month.
Baramul has a Press Statement – Reach The Summit yearling filly who may well have another significant pedigree update before the 2023 Gold Coast Magic Millions. Catalogued as Lot 1222, she is closely related to Balance of Power (Almanzor) who was an eye-catching runner-up in the Counties 2YO Challenge (LR, 1100m) at Pukekohe last Saturday.
