Yarraman Park Stud’s first season stallion Hinchinbrook claimed both stakes races for two-year-olds at Doomben on Saturday, the highlight coming in the $600,000 Group 1 BMW J.J. Atkins (1600m) when Press Statement credited trainer Chris Waller with his 14th Group 1 win for the season .

Following the win of the Hinchinbrook filly Flippant in the Listed Lancaster Stakes earlier in the day, Press Statement became the first Group 1 winner for his sire ensuring the son of Fastnet Rock will vault past long-time leader Beneteau in the race for first season sire honours.

Keeping his record at a perfect three for three after wins at Canterbury and Rosehill Gardens, Press Statement was in a stalking fourth as his stablemate Feast For Eyes set the pace.

When his rider Tye Angland asked for the supreme effort the response was immediate. Press Statement broke clear 200 metres out before safely holding the challenge of fast-finishing Sagaronne (Real Saga) by three-quarter of a length with BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Look To the Stars (I Am Invincible) one and a quarter lengths back in third.

“He only won last Saturday and to get on a truck, come up here, race in Group I company, he’s a pretty special horse,” Waller said.

“Only special horses can do it so he’s one of them.”

“The family has been good to me and I think there is more to come in the spring.

“The key to the three-year-old season is looking after your two-year-olds.”

“We all want to win Golden Slippers but it does take its toll.

“This carnival has been good to me and good to my horses and we’ve got another special one here.”

The win was Angland’s third Group I win of the season and his second for Waller.

“He’s a little superstar,” said Angland

“It definitely means a lot to get a nice Group 1 winner for Chris.

“He’s been a big support of mine since I returned from Hong Kong.”

A homebred for Tony Muollo, Press Statement is a half-brother to the Chris Waller-trained Pressday, who won the JJ Atkins Stakes in 2010 when it was known as TJ Smith Classic.

Their dam Kaaptive Empress, is a half-sister to the dam of Group I winner The Mighty Lions, dam of Group III winner Vaquera.

Kaaptive Empress has a weanling filly by Street Cry (IRE) and was covered again last spring by Snitzel’s three-quarter brother Hinchinbrook who stands at Yarraman Park at a fee of $16,500.

Mark Smith – Saturday, 6 June 2015 – Breednet.com.au