Quotes from the $350,000 Lexus Raven Run (G2)

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

Steve Asmussen (winning trainer of Wicked Halo who three races earlier won the Perryville-L with Gunite; both are 3-year-olds by Gun Runner)

“(Winning the two stakes is) extremely special. Their level of ability is obvious, but the fact that they thrive with racing and have continued to get better is so rare. I think she (Wicked Halo) and Gunite are very similar in the fact that they’ve just accepted their job and continuously gotten faster. Obviously, they’re very sound horses – great homebreds for Winchell (Thoroughbreds). I’m very fortunate to have them.”

On whether the Breeders’ Cup also is on the table for Wicked Halo

“Yes.”

Tyler Gaffalione (winning rider)

On the similarity of Wicked Halo’s race to Gaffalione’s earlier win in the Perryville on Gunite

“Definitely seemed that way. She did everything very easily. I’m just so thankful I was able to get the opportunity to steer them around there. It was a lot of fun today.”

Joel Rosario (rider of runner-up Fingal’s Cave)

“She broke fine. Right away I got pinched a little bit, so I had to take hold. I thought we were going to be a little more in the race (from the beginning). She did well after that. She came running at the end, so that was good. We were just second best.”

Luis Saez (rider of third-place finisher Midnight Stroll)

“She tried. She ran her race. The winner is a tough filly. I thought she (Midnight Stroll) was going to hold on for second, but she got pretty tired.”