Quotes from the $1 Million Toyota Blue Grass (G1)

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

Flavien Prat (winning rider of Zandon)

“He broke just OK. Then I got myself covered up so I was there with nothing I could do about it. The pace was a bit slow, so I was wandering down the backside. But I was traveling super – it was just a matter of finding a gap and getting a clean run down the lane.”

On navigating a larger field in the Kentucky Derby

“It’s going to be a bigger field, but it was already a good field today. It’s just a matter of getting a clean break and getting yourself into position. That’s always key.”

Baldo Hernandez (assistant to winning trainer Chad Brown)

“After his last race (the Risen Star [G2] Presented by Lamarque Ford at Fair Grounds, where Zandon was third), he is improving a lot. He’s a really nice colt and he’s been handling the track really well. Every morning he is training better and better. Flavien is a nice jockey and gave him a nice race and I think he is a really nice horse to go to the Kentucky Derby.”

Jeff Drown (winning owner)

“I’m working on (catching my breath), working on it. What a great race. What a fantastic performance.”

On how he viewed his chances early when Zandon was so far back

“You gotta trust the rider. The trainer had him ready – Chad did a fantastic job. Flavien rode him perfect. It just felt good.”

On dealing with the pressure having a leading contender for the Kentucky Derby

“One day at a time.”

Corey Lanerie (rider of runner-up and favorite Smile Happy)

“I had a great trip. When I turned for home, I didn’t think anybody could beat him. He went so easy through the half-mile and the fractions were nice. He had his ears up and he was happy. I called on him and he kept going. The other horse was just better than us today.”

Kenny McPeek (trainer of Smile Happy and sixth-place finisher Rattle N Roll)

On Smile Happy

“I am not disappointed whatsoever. I thought the timing of this race was good. I think the next race will be his best race.

“He got a little tired at the end. We will see how much water he drinks and how (tired) he is. This is a really good horse. This is only his fourth career start. I feel like I could win the Derby or the Preakness with this horse. The only horse I was worried about (in this race) is the one who won.

On being near the lead early

“That was part of the plan: to ask him (to go close to the lead) early and let him get in position and not be as far back as he was (in his last start.) He is tactical. He can be up close, not necessarily on the lead but he can be right off the pacesetters.

On Rattle N Roll

"(Jockey) Brian (Hernandez Jr.) said he was getting out a little. The horse has had a little trouble with his mouth on and off so that is something we will take a look at. We will probably have to regroup with him (and skip the Derby)."

Luis Saez (rider of third-place finisher Emmanuel)

“Pretty good trip, very comfortable, he broke sharp and he was right there. That’s the way he’s always been running. He never gave up. He’s always trying. I thought we were gonna get there but when I saw those two horses coming I knew I was in a little trouble because they’re nice horses.”

Todd Pletcher (trainer of Emmanuel)

“I thought Emmanuel ran well. He ended up on the lead and he seemed like he was in a good rhythm. He just flattened out in the last part. It’s a little premature (to say if he will go on to the Derby).”

Mark Casse (trainer of fourth-place finisher Golden Glider)

“I thought Golden Glider ran good. He gave us a thrill and ran well.”

Casse said Golden Glider would not be considered for the Kentucky Derby.