Stop the press: Butler beaten

Butler was all the rage ahead of the Listed Levin Stakes (1400m) at Otaki yesterday, but it was local hope Hold The Press who sprang an upset.

Trainers Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard thought the Press Statement mare was a good place chance heading into the race but were pleasantly surprised to see her put a couple of lengths on her rivals in the straight and eventually run out a 2 1⁄2 length victor over Sanibel.

‘‘She won dominantly, which was a pleasant surprise. I thought we were a good place chance, she was fit and going well, but I didn’t think we would be able to beat Butler.’’

Benner is now eyeing the Group II Westbury Classic (1400m) at Pukekohe in January with Hold The Press.

‘‘There is a nice fillies and mares race over 1400m on Karaka Million night, which might be a nice race for her, but we won’t get too far ahead of ourselves,’’ he said.

Meanwhile Devastate continued his rapid progression with a successful return to Otaki to add the Group III Wellington Stakes (1600m) to his record and continue a dream run for trainer Andrew Forsman. The son of Rich Hill Stud stallion Vadamos completed a double for the stable following the earlier debut victory of Bella Regazza in a two-year- old race.