Members of the China Horse Club saw their colors carried to victory in two of the three group races at Rosehill Saturday by former Group 1 winners. The first to step out was 4-year-old filly First Seal (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), who defied a 10-month layoff to win the 1300 metre G2 Millie Fox S. The 2014 G1 Flight S. winner missed most of last year due to injury, but appeared to retain her ability when running out a three-quarter length winner for trainer John Thompson.
“[Jockey Blake [Shinn] and I sat down and had a chat about an hour before the race and I just said, 'don't panic, just ride her to hit the line, we know she'll improve off the back of this run,'” Thompson told Breednet.com.au. “And I've got to say I was worried at the 800; I didn't think we'd be that far back but they were getting along and she got it done–it was a good effort.”
Next up was last season's G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Press Statement (Aus) (Hinchinbrook {Aus}), who took the 1400 metre G2 Hobartville S. by 2 1/2 lengths first-up. Trainer Chris Waller told Breednet.com.au the bay would be seen next in the G1 Randwick Guineas in two weeks.
“He's a pretty special horse,” Waller told the site. “He shows that at the start of his races and the end of his races. He's come back about 10 kilos heavier; he's not fat, so that tells me he's strong. The Randwick Guineas is firmly in his sights next and then we'll go from there.”
Both First Seal and Press Statement are owned by the China Horse Club in partnerships.
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