Talented two-year-old Press Statement has continued his perfect career start at Doomben Racecourse this afternoon, mustering an impressive final straight sprint to post a maiden win at the highest level in the Group 1 J.J. Atkins (1600m).
Press Statement stamped his claims as one to watch with success in the Group 1 JJ Atkins. Photo: Daniel Costello
Press Statement drifted in betting markets in the lead-up to the 2015 J.J. Atkins, as punters shied away from the horse that had not contested a black type race prior to this afternoon.
Jumping from the gates well, Tye Angland settled the son of Hinchinbrook in prime position on the heels of early race leaders Feast For Eyes, Counterattack and Bassett who flew the gates and immediately strung out the field of 12.
Settling into a good rhythm and receiving an ideal run in transit, Press Statement immediately responded when Angland asked for an extra effort rounding onto the final straight; locking in a fierce sprint battle with the lead group but comfortably pulling clear over the final 200m to hit the line more than a length ahead of Sagaronne; Look To The Stars boxing on for third.
Angland delivered an exceptional performance aboard Press Statement in the 2015 JJ Atkins and was thrilled to deliver trainer Chris Waller a Group 1 win.
“It definitely means a lot to get a nice Group 1 winner for Chris, that’s for sure,” Angland said.
“He’s been a big supporter of mine since I came back from Hong Kong.
“This bloke’s always given me a feel of an above average horse and he surprised me when he went so well first-up because I though his best distance would be a mile, and he’s proven that today.
“He’s a superstar, that’s for sure.”
Trainer Chris Waller was on hand to witness Press Statement’s 2015 JJ Atkins success and was quick to lay all the praise on the class of the two-year-old.
“The way he won at Canterbury you could see he was special that day, we just thought he’d need the run, improve off it and make a lovely three-year-old,” Waller said.
“We knew from that win that he was something special so we looked after him with this in mind, knowing he couldn’t take a backwards step.
“Obviously he only won last Saturday and to get on a truck, come up here and race in Group 1 company, he’s a pretty special horse.”
In taking out the 2015 JJ Atkins, Press Statement increased his perfect career starts to three wins from as many starts.
Having taken out the TAB Place Multi Plate (1100m) at Canterbury on debut on April 29th, Press Statement booked his ticket north with a similarly impressive effort in a Rosehill Gardens minor over 1350m last weekend.
