Press Statement has produced an impressive debut effort to take out the Tab Place Multi 2yo Handicap (1100m) at Canterbury on Wednesday.
With all eyes on the John O’Shea-trained Reincarnate and Gai Waterhouse-trained Cyrus Rocks, the half brother to Pressday was sent out a $21 chance by punters.
Sweetwater showed good early speed to go to the lead ahead of Volante, with the well fancied Cyrus Rocks three deep in third.
With Tye Angland in the saddle, Press Statement further back in the small field before coming with a big run at the 200m.
With Cyrus Rocks losing ground at a fast rate, Press Statement moved up to Volante at the 100m to take the lead and run away with an easy 1.5L win, Volante hanging on for second with favourite Reincarnate running on strongly for third.
Cyrus Rocks, who has been nominated to run at Royal Ascot was disappointing despite travelling wide, finishing sixth, beaten 4.8L.
Chris Waller indicated the two-year-old colt more than likely won’t head to Brisbane this preparation more than likely aiming up in a Saturday race in Sydney.
“Tye Angland has always had a good opinion of the horse as has the stable and it’s good to see that justified,” said Waller.
“The horse means a lot to us being a half brother to Pressday who was my first two-year-old Group 1 winner so he looks a very promising horse.
“He is a lovely three-year-old type and too see him jump and put himself there really showed his ability and too quicken up like he did stamped it.
“Time is running out for Queensland and I am not saying he won’t go but at this stage it is unlikely.”
Tye Angland said he was somewhat surprised how well he quickened over the 1100m trip.
“His trial on Friday just gone really impressed me and I never let him off the bridle,” said Angland.
“I didn’t think he was going to be that brilliant over 1100m, I thought he was going to be better of 1200-1400m so it was really good to see that today.”
Source: Racingandsports.com.au
