Press Report Beats Talented Fillies In Barrier Trial

Promising filly Press Report upstaged a number of talented fillies to record a strong win in a barrier trial at Rosehill Gardens this morning.

Caulfield Guineas winner Amicus trialed impressively at Rosehill Gardens this morning. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Caulfield Guineas winner Amicus trialed impressively at Rosehill Gardens this morning. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Bugatty took up the running in the sixth barrier trial of the morning over 900 metres, but he was quickly challenged for the lead by Press Report and the Lee Curtis-trained filly held off the likes of Amicus, Lucky Raquie, Mossfun and Winx to score a professional victory.

Press Report has only recorded one race win in her starts, but was placed in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) and was far from disgraced in races like the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m), Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) and Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) during her 2014 Spring Racing Carnival campaign.

Amicus was having the second barrier trial ahead of her autumn preparation, after finishing fifth at Rosehill Gardens on January 20, and hit the line very strongly to finish second.

The Fastnet Rock filly scored an upset win in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) during the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival and could be given the chance to take on the colts and geldings in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 7.

The Gerald Ryan-trained duo of Lucky Raquie and Peggy Jean were settled towards the tail of the field in the early stages of the trial, but they responded well when asked for an extra effort and are sure to take plenty of benefit from the trial.

Lucky Raquie is set to return to the races in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on February 14, while Peggy Jean will likely be kept in the fillies races during her autumn campaign.

2014 Golden Slipper winner Mossfun was settled in fourth position in the early stages of the barrier trial, but was unable to find clear running in the straight and was kept under a tight hold until the line.

The Mossman filly has not been seen at the races since she took out the 2014 edition of the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m), but is a chance of returning in the Light Fingers Stakes.

Furious Stakes winner Winx was given a quiet trial and was kept towards the tail of the field throughout, while Bugatty tired in the final stages.

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Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.