Jimmy Jerkens, winning trainer of Effinex (No. 5): "Today he ran with [Twinspires.com Wood Memorial winner] Wicked Strong's blinkers, the same little black ones [Punkin Pie winner] Classic Point wore. Since I've gotten him, he's gotten stronger. He ran very well in Saratoga. We didn't have a lot of time to get him ready. We threw a lot of work at him and he handled it and ran very well [second in the Albany]. His last race [third, optional claimer, September 28] was a little bit of a disappointment. I think it had more to do with the track, when you couldn't gain on anyone and horses got discouraged coming from behind. But he's done everything right since then and we figured we'd take a shot. We figured the extra eighth of a mile wouldn't hurt, either."

Angel Arroyo, winning jockey aboard Effinex (No. 5): "I think I had a good trip. I followed [So Lonesome] all the way. I stayed on the rail and waited for the stretch, and at the eighth pole I took him outside. My horse, he responded. [The blinkers] made a big difference today. He liked the blinkers; that's why he ran better. He was better at the finish. He ran great."