JOE HIRSCH TURF CLASSIC INVITATIONAL (G1) QUOTES

Saturday, September 29, 2012

 

 

JOE HIRSCH TURF CLASSIC INVITATIONAL (G1) QUOTES

 

Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey, winning trainer of Point of Entry (No. 2): “I knew it would be that way. The turf scared me more than anything. I knew it would be a walking race, and he’s got enough tactical speed where he can lay where he wants to, and it worked out fine. I hope he comes back fine, and we’ll go out there [to Santa Anita Park for the Breeders’ Cup Turf] and catch a firm turf out there, and I think they’ll really see what he can do.

“I was afraid going into today after all the rain and a big heavy horse like him, it might not be his race. I wasn’t concerned with the way it was unfolding. I thought Treasure Beach might be the horse to beat over this turf. I was a little surprised at their tactics when they went on. And then when they opened up around there and carried us out, I was a little bit nervous. I don’t think this was his race today, but he was good enough to win.”

 

Hall of Famer John Velazquez, winning jockey aboard Point of Entry (No. 2): “It seemed like we were going slower and he was having a little bit of a hard time with the ground. When we got to the top of the stretch, I said, ‘Let’s get him out where he could probably get a little bit comfortable, not between horses.’ Once he got there, he was more comfortable. I was running forward already, so I wasn’t really worried [when Treasure Beach drifted out]. I was worried about somebody else getting through [on the inside]. When I asked him to go, he went.”

 

Jamie Spencer, rider aboard runner-up Treasure Beach (No. 3): “He ran very well. The pace didn’t suit me, that’s why I went on so early, but ideally I could have done without the lead for a good bit longer because he was idle in front. Little Mike just stopped, so I had to take the lead, but it was probably not ideal getting there so early.”