Press Statement filly Dream Statement jumped straight to the front and wasn’t for catching in the AME Systems Plate (1100m) at Ararat on Tuesday.
Maiden winners on the outskirts of the Mallee don’t normally rate a mention but jockey Linda Meech made a point of difference yesterday. She rated the lightly-raced 3yo perfectly in front and they made it a procession to defeat the favourite Chockablock (Lonhro) and Doublern (Astern).
“She didn’t know what to do or how to level out but always had them covered,” Meech said. “She has the ability to go a long way.”
Dream Statement had been placed at Swan Hill on debut in June and, despite disappointing first-up at Terang earlier this month, her connections were confident enough to have a ‘little bet’ third time out.
“We tried ear-muffs last start and they didn’t work,” trainer Paul Preusker recalled. “It was also a Soft 7 that day and she was on top of the ground here. We’ve been patient and she will be going places when fully furnished.”
Dream Statement (3f Press Statement – Day Dream by Arazi) made $22,000 through Vinery, as agent for Bassam Ghantous, at the 2021 Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale. She was purchased by agent John Foote acting on behalf of a Southern Cross Thoroughbreds syndicate managed by Stephen and Tash Blakely.
Ghantous has Day Dream in foal to Harry Angel (Ire) while following the progress of his Scone Sale graduate in Victoria. “I called Paul earlier this year and he said she’s a very, very nice filly. He’s looked after her and she really shouldn’t be winning over 1100m. Wait till she gets up over 1600m and 2000m in the next twelve months.”
Press Statement is coming off a very successful run this month underlined by trans-Tasman feature winners Roots and Hold The Press. “I have a high opinion of Press Statement,” Windsor-based Ghantous said on Wednesday. “And I wouldn’t be surprised if his service fee goes up next year.”
Press Statement regularly returns 90% fertility rates and is open for late-season covers at Vinery for $8,800 (inc GST). For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
