Photo: CDI
Jockey James Graham (Ron the Greek, winner): “He has a big kick. He does what you tell
him to do. If you want to go he’ll wait until you pull the trigger. He ran big.”
Trainer Tom Amoss (Ron the Greek, winner):
“We really thought he had a good chance today. For the horseplayers
that like to examine the horses in the paddock he really does look the
part. He’s a very, very good-looking horse.
“He’s a one-run horse, period. Let’s hope he always has some pace up front.”
Are you inclined to run back in the Risen Star?
“I certainly think so. It’s another seventy yards. The Risen Star would
be a tremendously flattering race to win, not only for myself by for
Mr. Hammer. We’ll let him tell us but that’s certainly what we’re
thinking.”
Jockey Francisco Torres (Maximus Ruler, second): “He broke well. He relaxed and placed
himself on a very comfortable lead. He responded to my urging and kept driving.
“I was pleased with his effort. When I called on him he exploded. I don’t think he saw the winner he was so far away from
him. First time going around two turns, he has a lot of room to improve.”
Trainer Clark Hanna (Maximus Ruler, second):
“I thought it was a great effort. I thought he was hooked for most of
the way around there and obviously he was fresh being on the front end
like he was. He got tested every step of the way. He took on all foes
except for one. Maybe the trainer didn’t have him fit enough coming off
the layoff but he cooled out well and if all’s well tomorrow we’ll be
looking to come back in a few weeks in the next one.”
Jockey Shaun Bridgmohan (Letsgetitonmon, third):
“He finished really well. He was a little bit further back early on but
when I asked him down the lane I had to weave my way through traffic
and he really finished up well. I think he’s a three-year-old that each
time they lead him over here he keeps getting better and better. He’s
moving in the right direction and he tries hard.”
Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. (Cool Bullet, fourth): “He ran huge for first time going
two turns. I think he’ll step up the next time.”
Trainer Steve Margolis (Cool Bullet, fourth):
“He had a great trip. Brian rode a great race, a good
stalking trip. He tired a little bit at the end but I wouldn’t call it
quitting; I think it’s maybe the lack of the two-turn experience kind
of caught up to him. I’m not disappointed. You want to win every time
but I think for a horse coming off a five-and-a-half (furlong) and a
three-quarters (of a mile) race, he ran a legitimate race.
“I don’t know what well do next time; I’ll have to talk to the owners. He ran a hard-trying race and if you could go buy
every horse like this for $4,000 you’d be in good shape.”
Jockey Robby Albarado (Worldly, fifth):
“I had a beautiful trip. I sat right behind the lead horses. I was
content the whole way. I had a great rail trip turning for home, just
didn’t have enough horse to go on.”
Jockey Jose Valdivia Jr. (Turf Melody, sixth):
“Actually I had a great trip. My horse was pulling a little bit in the
early stages of the race. Once she got down the backside he settled
really nicely. I was following the three (Worldly) around there and I
thought I was in a great spot. When we turned for home I thought he
would give me that other gear and he just never did. He ran very even
through the lane. I really thought he’d give me that other gear but he
just stayed where he was. No excuses; it’s just one of those things.”
Jockey Miguel Mena (Citrus Kid, seventh): “He was a little nervous in the post parade.
Other than that no excuses.”
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