Press Statement mare Roots made a winning gesture towards next year’s autumn carnivals at Flemington on Thursday.

The Chris Waller-trained 4yo continued her spring campaign with a dominant victory in the VRC Inglis Bracelet (1600m).  Presented with a well-timed finish by James McDonald, she powered home to win running away from Climbing Star (Zoustar) and stablemate Sur La Mer (Nicconi).

“She’s won three of her last four starts and had no luck last time at Moonee Valley,” Waller said.  “We always knew she had ability but we’ve taken our time.  This prep has been all about gaining confidence and learning from that come the autumn.

“It was a nice ride by James although, I guess, we’re getting used to that.”

Roots was sold by Vinery for $52,000 at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale on behalf of Vinery partners Greg Perry, Steve McCann, Neil Werrett, Alan Green plus Brian Singer.  Press Statement sired her from Arctic Success (Big Brown) who is a half-sister to 2003 Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr.1, 1200m) winner Polar Success.

Arctic Success is three-from-three at stud starting with $340,000 earner Arctic Thunder (Headwater) who finished sixth in Thursday’s Inglis Bracelet.  She’s also the dam of 3yo filly Star Mistress (Star Turn), a Newcastle winner on debut last week, a 2yo colt by Star Turn and a yearling colt by Exceedance.

“Roots is flying and it’s been a fantastic spring,” McDonald said after unsaddling the odds-on favourite.  “It wasn’t all smooth sailing today but she’s tough and was too good.”

Roots has now earned over $320,000 for owners Kinya Murakami, Sheamus Mills, Heath Newton and Anthony Roberts.  Waller will recommend a spring send-off in the Summoned Stakes (Gr.3, 1500m) at Caulfield on November 26.

Mills had also won the Ottawa Stakes (Gr.3, 1000m) with Charm Stone (I Am Invincible) earlier on Thursday.  “We had Roots nominated for a Stakes race on Tuesday but the Inglis Bracelet gave us a great chance to run for $250,000 today.  “She’s such a beautiful mare with plenty of length and so much quality.  I think she’s a gem!”

It completed a lucrative week for Press Statement who sired Oakfield Arrow to win the $500,000 Four Pillars Midway Hcp (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday.  His Hong Kong expats Free Foal (R4) and All Is Hood (R6) are also running into form for their engagements at Sha Tin this Sunday.

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).