Press Statement Off The Mark

Mark Smith - Friday January 31

There were just five runners in Friday’s Canterbury League Club Maiden, which turned into a very messy race with less than two lengths covering all the runners at the finish, but there was a worthy winner in the Chris Waller-trained Spokesman who became the first winner for Vinery Stud’s dual Group 1 winner Press Statement.

Third behind the high-priced Redoute’s Choice colt Prague when on debut at Canterbury on January 17, Spokesman was caught three and four wide early so Nash Rawiller elected to press on and sit outside of the pacesetting Easy Campese.Spokesman as a yearling

Taking control of the race at the top of the straight, Spokesman came under attack from the $2.3 million Fastnet Rock colt Setanta but as soon as he battled to fight that one off, Godolphin’s Exosphere filly Thermosphere was searching for some room close to the rails.

At the finish Spokesman defeated the luckless Thermosphere by a long-neck who with a nose back to Setanta in third ahead of Easy Campese and Bazooka who went to the line untested.

“I only drew barrier five, but I was four wide early. I would have preferred a bit of cover but there wasn’t a lot of speed so I just concentrated in getting him into a lovely rhythm and he got the job done,” Rawiller said.  

Advertisement

In a timely advertisement for the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Spokesman was purchased by Star Thoroughbreds/ Randwick Bloodstock for $270,000 out of the Fairview Park Stud at last year’s Classic and he will have a half-sister by Your Song on offer this year.Your Song half sister to Spokeman heading to the Inglis Classic

Bred by Mystery Downs, Spokesman is the seventh foal and sixth winner out of the 5-time Sydney winning Mujahid (USA) mare Calaluna whose dam It’s Not On (Tierce) is a half-sister to the Champion 2YO Filly in Australia in 2001-02, Victory Vein (Mr Henrysee) who is the dam of Group III winner Sookie (Casino Prince).

Following the Your Song filly to be consigned by Fairview Park Stud to the upcoming Classic Yearling Sale, Calaluna missed to Press Statement in 2018 before being covered by the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas winning son of Hinchinbrook again last spring.

Press Statement covered a career-high 161 mares at Vinery Stud last spring, which is a good indication that his first crop of two-year-olds is highly regarded by many trainers.

Advertisment

Race Result - Canterbury League Club Mdn 1250m

Canterbury Track: Good(4) Time: 1:14.50
1
Spokesman
- 2c Press Statement (AUS) x Calaluna (AUS) (Mujahid (USA))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: N Rawiller 57
2
0.4
Thermosphere
- 2f Exosphere (AUS) x Glows (AUS) (Canny Lad (AUS))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: K Mc Evoy 55
3
0.5
Setanta
- 2c Fastnet Rock (AUS) x Legally Bay (AUS) (Snippets (AUS))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: Tommy Berry 57
4
0.9
Easy Campese
- 2c Sidestep (AUS) x Up And Over (AUS) (Oratorio (IRE))
Tnr: J G Sargent Rdr: B Avdulla 57
5
1.3
Bazooka
- 2g Smart Missile (AUS) x Valerina (AUS) (Val Royal (FR))
Tnr: David Payne Rdr: G Schofield 57
More Reading...
Wrote Produces 'Horse of a Lifetime'
Bruce Wallbank has been on a wonderful ride since returning to the training ranks last term, with his only horse Midnight Edition rising through the ranks to become one of the favourites in Sunday’s Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1400m). 
Five More Seven-Figure Lots Close Out Tattersalls Book 1
A strong renewal of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale concluded with five further seven-figure lots led by a colt by Wootton Bassett at 1,900,000 guineas bought by the sale’s leading purchaser Godolphin.
I Am Invincible Colt Tops Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale
A colt by champion Yarraman Park Stud stallion I Am Invincible topped today's Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale when selling for $550,000.
Willydoit Chasing $1.5million Epsom Consolation
Saturday looms as a special day in the careers of Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, who are the part-owners and former trainers of two horses that will chase million-dollar prizes in Australia.
Sires With Winners - Thursday October 9
Here is the full list of 44 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Press Statement's Spokesman Shows True Grit at Warwick Farm
The Chris Waller-trained Spokesman had the honour of being the first winner for Vinery Stud’s Press Statement when successful at Canterbury on January 31 and following a 10 week break and burdened with 59kgs the Star Thoroughbred colour-bearer ground out another meritorious win over 1300m at Warwick Farm on Monday.
Breeding to Win – 2025 G1 Caulfield Guineas
The Golden Rose is loud in the conversation these days - but the time honoured G1 Caulfield Guineas still speaks with authority to the notion of a “sire making” race for three year olds - because it is run at the true Classic distance.
Derby Path Possible for Exciting Debut Winner
Simon and Katrina Alexander came close to winning the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) a few years ago with their stable star La Crique, and now it looks like they may have another Derby prospect on their hands.
Gavelhouse Bargain Back to Best
Cambridge trainer Shaun Phelan took special satisfaction from an all-the-way win by Pacheco in the $60,000 Poverty Bay Turf Club Cup (2600m) at Taupo on Friday.
Melbourne Racing Club Chairman John Kanga Resigns
The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) today confirmed that Chairman John Kanga has resigned from his position, effective immediately.