Ogden Phipps (G1) Quotes

December 10, 2019

Bill Mott, winning trainer of Close Hatches (No. 1): "She had shown that dimension before. The last two times she was on the lead, but it's no surprise she was able to do that. We figured that Classic Point figured to go to the lead."

"I think when they advertised that this race would be held on this particular day, I think everybody started pointing to it. There was a lot of build up to it, at least for us. We were aware that Beholder was planning on coming in, that Princess of Sylmar was coming, and that anybody else who had a horse who was in good form and thought they had a chance in the race would show up for it. There has been a lot of anticipation. We've been pointing to the race since early spring, and its just one of those cases where things worked out, where you make a plan and it comes to fruition."

"From here on out, I've made absolutely no plans. We planned on running in the Apple Blossom and we planned on running here, and I haven't even thought about what comes next. The Breeders' Cup is in California again, and we'll be back to Beholder's home ground, and, obviously, that's an advantage for her. It's going to be another challenge for us."

Joel Rosario, winning jockey aboard Close Hatches (No. 1): "Perfect trip. I thought maybe we would be on the lead or second, but when I saw those two horses going quick, I just wanted to get good position and take my time. They stopped a little early so I took the lead.

"[Princess of Sylmar] was closing; she's a nice filly. I knew she was going to come so I just wanted to have enough left."

Todd Pletcher trainer of runner-up Princess of Sylmar (No. 6): "My filly certainly ran her tail off today and it was just a tough beat. The pace was much faster than I anticipated, and today she simply was not good enough."

Javier Castellano, jockey aboard runner-up Princess of Sylmar (No. 6): "It was a great race, and three of the best 4-year-old fillies came together at the top of the stretch. She ran a big race, and I'm very satisfied with the way she did it. She ran her heart out today, and put in a really great effort."

Kiaran McLaughlin, trainer of third-place finisher Antipathy (No. 2): "It was a great run. It wasn't exactly the way we designed it on paper, but [jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.] did a good job, and we're thrilled to be third. We were hoping to win, obviously, but 1-2-3 in a Grade 1 is huge, so we're happy. She ran huge."

Irad Ortiz, jockey aboard third-place finisher Antipathy (No 2): "My filly broke sharp and we didn't want to be too close to the lead today. That's what we worked out. She came back to me and then she made a nice run at the end."

Richard Mandella, trainer of beaten favorite and fourth-place finisher Beholder (No. 5): "Just wasn't quite the same today. That's the risk you take when you run them. She looked like she was trying hard and just maybe wasn't comfortable with her surroundings. We'll go back home."

Gary Stevens, rider of beaten favorite and fourth-place finisher Beholder (No. 5): "I had a good trip. She was struggling; its Big Sandy and it got dry out there. I don't have any excuses. My hat's off to the top two. People got what they wanted to see. We all came into the last eighth of a mile on equal terms. It was a fair trip for everybody; a good horse race. I'm disappointed we didn't win, but I'm proud of her."

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