Vinery stallions took turns siring winners earlier this week before Press Statement chimed in with the best of them on the eve of the serving season.
Star Turn cut loose with Pegasi at Ballarat on Tuesday and minutes later Reginald became the latest Casino Prince homebred winner for Anthony Cummings at Newcastle.
All Too Hard unearthed a potential star on Wednesday when Elkington Road made a mess of his muddied rivals on a Heavy 10 at Sandown. An hour after that rout, it was Press Statement’s time to shine with Roots at Warwick Farm.
Press Statement would have a higher profile but for being based alongside a roster of high-achievers at Vinery. He’s coming off a Top 6 finish on the Australian third-season tables for winners (63) and wins (106) and a black-type bound galloper like Roots will help lift him to the next level at the spring carnivals.
Trainer Chris Waller had scratched Roots from Rosehill on Saturday to be saved for the Schweppes Hcp (1300m) on Wednesday. Given time to settle by James McDonald, she finished right over the top of Twilight Affair (Zoustar) after giving the leader a five-length start approaching the furlong. “That was very impressive. She’s come back in really good order and has strengthened right up,” McDonald said following the first-up victory. “I think she’s in for a really great prep.
“She’s super fresh but coming into the race I thought Tim (Clark) would take us out of her comfort zone. He was off and gone on the leader but we got a breather coming to the 400m and it was a big, big win carrying that weight (60.5kg). She’s a class filly.”
Roots was bred and sold by Vinery partner Greg Perry through Vinery (as agent) at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. She made $52,000 to the bid of Kinya Murakami and prominent agent Sheamus Mills purchased a significant share earlier this year on behalf of his clients Heath Newton and Anthony Roberts.
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. The mare has a 2yo colt by Star Turn and a yearling colt by Exceedance.
Vinery’s seven stallions commenced covering on Thursday morning. Ole Kirk ($55,000) heads a roster comprising All Too Hard ($38,500), Exceedance ($33,000), Star Turn ($27,500), Headwater ($16,500), Press Statement ($8,800) and Casino Prince ($5,500). All fees (inc GST). For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
