Saturday, July 7, 2012
SUBURBAN HANDICAP (G2) QUOTES
Kathy Ritvo, winning trainer of Mucho Macho Man (No. 6): “That was fabulous! What a great day! He likes to be here, likes the racetrack here, and we’re really happy to be here. He ran a great race. We’re so excited. We’re going to take it slow and see what happens. We’ll make sure he comes back great and we’ll look again [at what’s next].”
Mike Smith, winning jockey aboard Mucho Macho Man (No. 6): “I’m really impressed, to be honest with you. I knew he was a nice horse, but he really, really impressed me. From the time I got on him he was so confident. He left the gate in great order – for a big horse, he’s quick! I mean, every step was a winning one. I couldn’t believe how easy he beat [a strong field]. I mean, you put that bunch in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, your favorite is going to come out of this race. He just ran them off their feet. I’m shocked at how impressive he was was. I didn’t touch him.”
Dean Reeves, winning owner of Mucho Macho Man (No. 6): “It was an awesome job by Mike Smith, Kathy [Ritvo], and everyone involved. I’m so happy for my horse. He ran a good race, a solid race. This is really an extraordinary horse. He beat a great field of horses today.”
Shug McGaughey, trainer of runner-up Hymn Book (No. 4): “I thought he ran great. It’s just a shame we gave up that much at the break. He stumbled leaving there, and by the time [jockey Alan Garcia] had him gathered up they were going pretty fast. He just got too far out of it to try to make up that much ground against that kind of horses. He passed all of them but one. I’m disappointed because I think if he could have been in a good position then he would have had a chance, but I’m pleased with the way he ran.”
Bill Mott, trainer of fourth-place finisher and beaten favorite To Honor and Serve (No. 7): “No apparent excuse.”
Jose Lezcano, jockey aboard fourth-place finisher and beaten favorite To Honor and Serve (No. 7): “I had a very good trip. That’s all I can say.”
