Actually, I was surprised to be in front. I got the lead and was able to dictate the pace. I let her do her thing. We happened to inherit the lead today and she took to it very comfortably. She lived up to her name. |
Both the right-hand turn, and then crossing the dirt, that change of surface. Some of them get to the dirt and they take a launch, and you lose six or seven lengths. |
But I don't want to rob the joy of the event. Unfortunately, we weren't there. You have to accept it and enjoy it. |
I think he's good enough to win it. I've been chasing that dream. That keeps us going every day, the excitement of the prestigious races. … I feel great at this stage of my life and career. The opportunities are still very much alive. |
I was a little concerned taking the overland route, but she lived up to it today. |
I would have rather been about three out, but that's where Lava Man was. In order for me to jerk out four off the fence, I just thought it wouldn't have been productive. I opted to come down that fence, and it's just not as tight as it three or four out. I think if I would have been out on that part of the track, I could have gotten the winner, but then that's more ground. |
I've been riding for 25 years, and I've never been involved with a horse who's won this many in a row. She's just unbelievable. |
She takes it very well. She has so much experience over it now that she does it like clockwork. You don't want to use her early over it. You want to settle her to some degree. She's quick, but she can carry her speed. It's just a matter of guiding her down there and saving something for the stretch. |