Click here for a replay of the race and the post-race interview with winning connections.

Todd Pletcher (winning trainer of Candied)

On facing Grade 1 company in just her second start 

“That was my biggest concern. I thought the filly had the talent to do it; I was just concerned about the seasoning. Several of the fillies in here that we had to beat today had good, solid campaigns and she was just making her second start. But I’ll tell you, she trained impressively before her debut and she then just kept getting better afterwards. She was finishing her works and galloping out like she wanted more ground. Like (jockey) Luis (Saez) said earlier, he’s been pretty high on her since he first worked her at Saratoga, so we’re happy to see her meet expectations.”

Luis Saez (winning jockey)

“(I) definitely (was prepared for her tendency to lean in as she turns for home). She’s a filly who keeps learning; she has a big future. The first time I got on her in the morning, I knew she was pretty special, and she just won this big race. We’re so grateful, and thanks to (trainer) Mr. Todd (Pletcher) – he always does a great job with the horses – and to the team.”

On getting her to relax going two turns for the first time: 

“It was pretty easy. She ran a pretty professional race. We knew the speed was going to go and that was the plan: to try to follow it and give them a surprise at the top of the stretch.”

Brian Hernandez Jr. (rider of runner-up V V’s Dream)

“(The race) was good. We had a three-wide trip and our filly was floating along on the outside. The winner got the best of us there.”

Flavien Prat (rider of third-place finisher Alys Beach)

“We had a good trip. She was traveling well all the way around. We ran a good third.”

Irad Ortiz (rider of beaten favorite Brightwork, who finished fifth)

“I’m not sure (about the added distance). She just didn’t fire. She broke sharp and I bided my time. Let’s regroup and see how she comes back. First time going two turns. I had a good post. She broke on top and I just let her relax. I sat there and I bided my time. She was galloping on the backside but just didn’t fire.”