The Press Statement filly Runranirun did just that when making a stunning career debut in the New Zealand Bloodstock Super Maiden Plate (900m) at Newcastle on Wednesday.
Looking at home on the heavy track, Runranirun jumped to the front for Jay Ford and had the field off the bit chasing on straightening. Under minimal urging, Runranirun put eight and three-quarter lengths on the favoured Extreme Choice filly Extreme Diva, with D'Argento debutant Pearler a neck back in third.
Trained by Matthew Smith, Runranirun displayed above-average ability in four barrier trials, winning three and finishing second in the other.
Stable representative Paul Rowe said they were concerned by the favourite who had performed well in better races.
“She brought her trial form to the races. She is a fast horse who we knew handled soft going, and we thought it would come down to whether her or the favourite would sprint better on the heavy track,” Rowe said.
“The margin was surprising considering the ability of the second horse.
“It wasn’t a high-pressure race. She jumped, got into a rhythm, and they ran 34 for the last 600m on a heavy track.
“It’s onwards and upwards. She’s had a good day out, and it’s great for the owners.
“She’s only tiny but is growing into herself. They are Matt’s colours, and the Cooks are also in her.”
The homebred daughter of Press Statement is the eleventh foal and eighth winner for the Marju mare Marju Rani, who Matt Smith trained to win a 900m maiden at Newcastle in 2004.
Marju Rani is a half-sister to the dam of Group III BRC Gunsynd Classic winner Trump from the family of BATC Doomben Ten Thousand Hcp and STC Winfield Classic winner Flitter.
The final foal of Marju Rani is a 2-year-old filly by Casino Prince.
After beginning his career at Vinery Stud, the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas and JJ Atkins Stakes hero Press Statement transferred to Novara Park in New Zealand, where his 2024 fee has been set at $6,000.
