Trainer Mick Price has confirmed exciting two-year-old prospect Pressing will continue on to the major Group 1 J.J. Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 7^th, despite a less-than convincing performance for ninth in the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1350m) last weekend.

Trainer Mick Price has confirmed Pressing will continue towards an appearance in the Group 1 J.J. Atkins. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Initially disappointed with the performance and certain on a return to the spelling paddock, Price told TVN champion jockey Damien Oliver had reported the Sebring colt performed like a horse looking for extra distance and a perfect candidate for blinkers.

“Ollie said to press on, go to the mile and the horse was screaming out for blinkers” Price said.

“He said it was a very leader-dominated type of race and that he was a bit green that way of going. He felt that the horse’s last bit was good enough to go to the mile race and with blinkers he’ll be able to take up a position.”

Unbeaten in two starts prior to the BRC Sires’ Produce; Price said the word of both Oliver and stable foreman Mick Nolan is confidence enough to continue working towards an appearance in the J.J. Atkins on June 7^th.

“My stable foreman is telling me the horse hasn’t had enough and Ollie is telling me it wasn’t the run of a horse that’s had enough” Price added.

“We’re going forward with dented confidence.”

Debuting with an impressive turn of foot to comfortably claim the Mindy Green 2.y.o. Plate (1200m) on April 12^th, Pressing more than stamped his claims as one to watch over the 2014 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival with a near four length victory in the Listed Sky High Mt Dandenong Stakes (1200m) on May 3^rd.

Drifting slightly in betting markets since finishing ninth last time out, Pressing is currently sole occupant of the fifth line of betting for success in the Group 1 J.J. Atkins; offered at generous odds of $13.

Unlucky to finish second in the BRC Sires’ Produce last time out, Brazen Beau is clear favourite to claim a maiden victory at the highest level of Australian racing in the 2014 J.J. Atkins, currently offered at a quote of $2.20 ahead of Almalad ($6.50), Looks Like The Cat ($7) and Time For War ($9).

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