Quotes from Connections of Entrants Jim Cassidy (trainer of Ocho Ocho Ocho, post 1; 6-1 in the morning line)

“The rail is fine. I’d rather be inside than outside in any event. He broke a little slow last time, but he won’t this time.”

Tracey Wilkes (wife of trainer Ian Wilkes, trainer of Gorgeous Bird, post 2; 8-1 in the morning line)

“I had just one instruction for today and that was not to draw the 1 hole, so we are good with both (Wilkes also trains Central Bank Ashland [G1] starter Silverpocketsfull, who drew post 5). (Jockey) Brian (Hernandez Jr.) knows them both and will get them to settle out of the gate.”

David Koenig (founder of Sand Dollar Stable LLC, co-owner with Skychai Racing LLC of Pepper Roani, post 3; 12-1 in the morning line)

“With eight horses maybe we didn’t want the rail, but I don’t see any issue. He’s probably going to be midpack or a little bit back. He’s going to just relax and come on and hopefully there is not that much traffic in the race, so I’m not that concerned about the post position. We’d love to run one, two or three and let the (Kentucky Derby) chips fall where they may.”

Barry Irwin (CEO of Team Valor International, owner of Unrivaled, post 4; 12-1 in the morning line)

“I’m very happy with the post, as long as we didn’t get the 1 again. I like the fact that Ocho Ocho Ocho is in the 1 because he’s going to have to go and the other speed horse (Classy Class) is in the 7, and he’s going to have to go. I want to see some pace.” 

John Moynihan (bloodstock adviser for Stonestreet Stables LLC, co-owner with WinStar Farm LLC of Carpe Diem, post 5; even-money favorite in the morning line)

“We’re happy (with post 5). He’s a tactical horse and (jockey) Johnny (Velazquez) knows him well and he can put him wherever he wants to put him. He can stalk; if there’s not a lot of speed, he can go to the front, like what he did in the race in October (in winning the Grade 1 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland).”

Nick Zito (trainer of Frammento, post 6; 8-1 in the morning line)

“The 6 is not bad (in a field of eight). And we know he likes the track from winning there last fall (on Oct. 4, when he won a 1 1/16-mile maiden race).”

Kiaran McLaughlin (trainer of Classy Class, post 7; 6-1 in the morning line)

“It’s a pretty good run to the first turn and he usually breaks well. He’s pretty straightforward to ride and I like the outside post. Seven of eight is fine. He’s a very honest horse and he tries hard.”

Sarah Campion (assistant to Mark Casse, trainer of Danzig Moon, post 8; 8-1 in the morning line) “We don't mind the post position. No problem.”