Thursday, November 22, 2012
FALL HIGHWEIGHT HANDICAP (G3) QUOTES
Whit Beckman, assistant to Todd Pletcher, winning trainer of Caixa Eletronica (No. 2): "This horse usually has his own style and sticks to it, and [jockey] Javier [Castellano] had to stay with him and work hard all the way around. I'd never seen him run like that."
Javier Castellano, winning jockey aboard Caixa Eletronica (No. 2): "Today there was a lot of speed in the race, but [Caixa Eletronica] is a very versatile horse. Ramon [Dominguez, aboard This Ones for Phil] was the speed, and we just tracked him. My horse was more in the bridle today, and he responded so well. Todd [Pletcher] put the horse in the right spot at the right time and he's put me on a lot of nice horses, especially this horse. We've had a lot of good success."
"I'm thankful for everything – for my family, and my agent [Matt Muzikar]. He does an excellent job and a lot of people don't realize it because he's behind the scenes. I'm very blessed. I'm very happy and satisfied with this whole year, and my career. I appreciate everything I have, especially the opportunities."
Mike Repole, winning owner of Caixa Eletronica (No. 2): "The way he's been running at six furlongs, he's been making that one big run. With Poseidon's Warrior running yesterday, there was no possible speed that could have been out there [with This Ones for Phil] except Mine Over Matter. The other horses were coming out of distance races."
"I told Javier, 'The horse is so versatile, he can do so much, keep him in the game. Do not let This Ones for Phil get away. If he walks the dog and goes 23 and 46 and we come in second, I will be furious.' Javier said, 'I'll do what you want.' When he broke, he was right there; we went 22 and 44 [seconds] and at the top of the stretch, once he got close, it was just a matter of time."
"He's such a special horse. A lot of fun. That was so impressive; for him to be able to be that fast up there with the fractions. This is a big weekend for us, and it's nice to win one on Thanksgiving."
