Trainer Greg Hickman was delighted with Press Start’s debut at Eagle Farm last Saturday and will go ahead with a program aimed at the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic RL in January.

After receiving a severe check at the start, Press Start flew home to finish third under Mark Du Plessis.  Stewards reported she, ‘Lost ground after being bumped by heavily by Shooting Roses which jumped awkwardly’ in the QTIS Fillies Plate (1000m).

“It was a super run,” Hickman said this week.  “She definitely should have finished second and, if she jumped on terms, who knows?  She could have won.”

Press Start was the first starter for Vinery sire Press Statement and has pulled up enormous according to Hickman.  “She settled last and Mark had to angle wide before balancing up in the straight.  But you wouldn’t know she had gone around and we will go again at Eagle Farm in three weeks.

“She will then have a fortnight in the paddock before getting ready for the Magic Millions.”

Hickman bought Press Start for $180,000 on behalf of Ferguson Bloodstock at the Magic Millions in January.  She is out of a half-sister to the dam of More Than Ready’s international stayer Eagle Way (Queensland Derby Gr.1 & HKJC Cup Gr.2).

Press Statement has 8 lots going under the hammer for the Magic Millions 2YO Sale next Monday and Tuesday.  That’s the equal largest draft by a Vinery sire on the Gold Coast with All Too Hard (8) ahead of More Than Ready (4), Casino Prince (4), Headwater (4), Testa Rossa (3) & Pluck (1).

Baramul Stud has five Press Statements catalogued (Lot 139 has been withdrawn) including the filly from Ashenti (Lot 191).  The mare has a perfect record with 7 winners from 7 starters headed by ATC Theo Marks Stakes Gr.2 winner Riva De Lago.

The More Than Ready – Allez Wonder filly (Lot 184) could receive a major update this Saturday with her older sister Kooweerup in the Stan Fox Stakes Gr.2 at Randwick.  All Too Hard sired last year’s Stan Fox winner Tarka.

PRESS STATEMENT