Quotes from the $300,000 Franklin (G3)

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

Brad Cox (winning trainer of Caravel)

“I did (think she was sitting on a big race today). I thought she ran really well at Presque Isle (when fourth in the Sept. 19 Presque Isle Downs Masters-G2 in her last start). Speed wasn’t good that night. She rebounded; she’s had two solid works since then here at Keeneland on the dirt and did very well, so I thought she was set up for a big effort. Tyler did a great job putting her in perfect position, and she really kicked home when asked. 

“(Whether we go to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint-G1) will ultimately be up to the owners (Qatar Racing, Marc Detampel and Madaket Stables), but we’ll talk to them about it. I do know she’s in the (Keeneland November Breeding Stock) sale, but there’s been some talk about possibly running her next year as well, so who knows? At the end of the day I’m just proud of what she’s been able to accomplish, and congratulations to the ownership group. She’s a tough filly. She always brings it.”

Tyler Gaffalione (winning rider)

“The mare ran a great race. She broke alertly today. I knew (jockey) Johnny (Velazquez’s) horse (Twilight Gleaming-IRE) was the one to beat, so I worked my way out to get behind her, and coming into the stretch, I attacked her as soon as I could. My horse was game, and she finished the job well.”

Joe Rocco Jr. (rider of runner-up Thundering Creed)

“My filly ran great. She’s the kind of filly that if you use too much early she doesn’t finish that great. I wanted to get the best position that I could without using too much. I ended up being able to find my way down on the rail and save some ground. I would’ve liked to have been able to get her moving a little earlier than I did, but I had to wait until I could find some room and when I did she really came flying. I’m very proud of her.” 

John Velazquez (rider of second choice Twilight Gleaming-IRE, who finished fourth)

“It was very predictable – a lot of speed in the race. I settled the best I could, but sometimes 5½ (furlongs) is a little too long for her. The last sixteenth of a mile got her. The fractions were fast – faster than I wanted them to be.”