Pressing Clamps Down on Rivals in Premio Roma
by Mary Schweitzer
Date Posted: 11/4/2007 7:36:17 PM
Last Updated: 11/4/2007 7:37:05 PM

Benefiting from a patient ride by Neil Callan, Pressing captured his first group I victory Nov. 4 in the Premio Roma (Ity-I) at Capannelle.

Previously campaigned in Italy, Pressing was purchased by Gary Tanaka in May and transferred to trainer Michael Jarvis in Newmarket.  After unsuccessful forays in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Eng-I) and the Arlington Million (gr. IT), Pressing returned to the winner’s enclosure after a victory in the Premio Federico Tesio (Ity-III) Sept. 29 at San Siro.  That race served as a strong prep for the Premio Roma.

Pressing, under a snug hold from Callan, raced in third as Vol de Nuit and Cherry Mix set a solid pace up front.  The order remained unchanged until the field entered the straight.  It was then that Callan let the reins loose a notch, and Pressing responded with a powerful move to the front with two furlongs left. 

The result was never in question, as Pressing drew off to win comfortably by 1 1/2-lengths.  Monachesi just got up for second, a nose in front of Boris de Deauville.

Time for the ten furlongs was 2:02.1 over the soft going.

Pressing is a 4-year-old bay colt by Soviet Star out of Rafif, by Riverman.  He is bred similarly to multiple champion Sakhee and grade I winner River Memories, both of whom can be found in the female family of the Premio Roma victor.

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