Stablemates Kermadec and Press Statement are set to face off again when they clash in the Group 1 $600,000 Schweppes All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Kermadec, above, will clash again with Press Statement in the All Aged Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.
Kermadec had been under a fitness cloud following his fifteenth of fifteen behind Winx in the Group 1 $3m The Star Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick on April, but trainer Chris Waller is confident that he has got him back to peak fitness.
Hong Kong based jockey Zac Purton told Stewards that he was very disappointed with the run and a post race veterinary examination revealed that the Teofilo four year old had blood present in its mouth and was displaying a poor post-race recovery.
Waller has since reported back to Stewards that Kermadec has responded favourably to two sessions of chiropractic treatment and galloped in fine style on the Randwick course proper on Saturday morning and is set to take his place in the All Aged Stakes on the weekend.
Racing New South Wales Stewards released the following statement on Saturday, confirming that Waller has announced that Kermadec has recovered and is fully fit.
“Trainer Mr C Waller reported that the horse had two treatments with the chiropractor for soreness over the back area. He further advised that Kermadec had worked will this morning on the course proper and had scoped clear after that work. Mr Waller was reminded that he would be required to present a veterinary clearance prior to Kermadec racing in the All Aged Stakes on Saturday, 16 April 2016,” the Stewards extract read.
Waller’s smart three year Press Statement will be taking on the older horses again in the All Agd Stakes after finishing third behind Waller’s super mare Winx and Kermadec in the Group 1 $1m China Horse Club George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 19.
Press Statement is on trial for a trip to England to run in the Group 1 £600,000 The Diamond Jubilee Stakes (6 furlongs) at Royal Ascot on June 18 and another competitive run at weight for age will help secure his ticket.
“I think Kermadec is more of a sprinter and we will bring him back in distance,” Waller said.
“Press Statement is a good 1400 metre horse and that’s what you need for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
“It is a tough 1200 metres.”
Waller is keen to return to Royal Ascot following his experience with Brazen Beau who finished second to Undrafted in the 2015 Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
“It’s an amazing experience and if you have a colt it can be important for their breeding careers,” Waller said.
Waller has also nominated English import Kool Kompany and Strawberry Boy for the All Aged Stakes.
