Star colts Pride of Dubai and Press Statement stepped out in public for the first time in 2016 ahead of expected campaigns over Sydney’s lucrative autumn carnival and the Championships. The duo are hoped to be among the headline acts for the China Horse Club which also has star performers First Seal, Auvray, Orbec and a team of talented juveniles being primed for elite competition.
Pride of Dubai
Pride of Dubai, owned in partnership with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum and Coolmore, and Press Statement, owned in a partnership managed by Vinery Stud, have come through their first barrier trials without incident. The duo were among a field of stakes winner to trial in Heat One over 838m at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney and did all that was asked of them. Pride of Dubai won the heat in a time of 49.9 second by a head with Press Statement a further short head away in third.
“[Pride of Dubai] was very fresh today but that can be expected after a long break. He has a blow afterwards and that will bring him on,” co-trainer Peter Snowden said of Pride of Dubai.
“He has pulled up well and sound and I am very happy with how today went.”
Press Statement
Trainer Chris Waller was equally pleased by the performance of Press Statement who has not been seen since his exceptional win in the $A1 million G1 Caulfield Guineas in October.
“I am very happy with where [Press Statement is] at for the stage he’s at in his preparation. He will have a quiet week as it was very hot this morning and then we will step his work up again leading into his second trial in about a fortnight. Everything is going to plan,” said trainer Chris Waller.
A replay of the barrier trial can be seen here:
Pride of Dubai: yellow colours with a blue ‘V’
Press Statement: China Horse Club’s red colours with yellow stars
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