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The Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard-trained Press Release was installed a $1.70 favourite for the Aquashield Roofing 1200 at Otaki on Monday and duly delivered for his supporters.
The three-year-old son of Dalghar had finished runner-up in his two recent starts and he was made to work for his maiden win, having to run down pacemaker Wallaceville in the straight to record a 1-1/2 length victory.
“He was good today because he probably got a bit keen there early doors, but Sam (Collett) switched him off and she never panicked. That horse (Wallaceville) gave a really good kick, so it was no mean feat to pick him up and go on with the job.”
While pleased with the maiden victory of Press Release, Benner doesn’t plan on having the colt in his stable for long, with the promising galloper being placed on the market for sale.
“He is a very talented horse and he will keep on improving, but he’s on the market.
“He’ll probably come back here on Group One day (February 23) in a three-year-old 1200m (race) and hopefully get his rating up and (we will then) move him on.”