Quotes for the Filly & Mare Sprint

December 10, 2019

Mike Smith (jockey, Judy the Beauty, 1st) – “Absolutely dynamite. I couldn't have asked for a better trip. Almost every step of it, except for almost getting caught. She broke extremely well which at times can be very crucial for her because sometimes she gets away really bad. I was happy about that; one of the best she's ever left the gate. We saw that work at Keeneland. We knew she was ready.”

Wesley Ward (trainer, Judy the Beauty, 1st) (From Florida by phone) – “She just digs down deep in her soul. That was amazing. Very few horses run with as much heart as she does. She just has a desire to win. She will head back to Kentucky. I had thought about retiring her, but there is no doubt that Keeneland is absolutely her favorite track. I just want to give her another chance to win at her home track. I’m just elated with this whole weekend.”

Javier Castellano (jockey, Better Lucky, 2nd) – “She ran very well. I was very proud of the way she handled things. She was the only one closing. I have to give credit to the winner, she just wouldn’t stop.

Jimmy Bell (Preisdent of Darley, Better Lucky, 2nd) – “She’s all heart. She’s never run a bad race in her life. In 11 Grade I’s, she’s now been first, second or third every time. She’s the definition of consistency at the highest level. You don’t get one like her very often.”

Tom Albertrani (trainer, Better Lucky, 2nd) – “She ran really well. I thought we might have had a good chance at the eighth-pole, but the winner just kept us far enough away to get beat by a head. She’s a super filly. This was her last race and I’m really going to miss her. You could not have a more honest horse in the barn.”

John Velazquez (jockey, Thank You Marylou, 3rd) – “Perfect trip. She’s a 3-year-old running against older. She gave a good effort. I don’t know about that (speed bias) because look at the horse that won. She was laying fifth. I can’t blame it on the speed.”

Mike Maker (trainer, Thank You Marylou, 3rd) – “Third best. I told Mr. (Ken) Ramsey to bet everything to show on her. She will stay in training next year.”

Kelly Breen (trainer, Stonetastic, 4th) – “This is the curse of the younger versus the older horses. You have to be an exceptional 3-year-old filly to beat older in these kinds of races. We’ll come back and get them next year.”

Jose Ortiz (jockey, Artemis Agrotera, 7th) – “My trip was good. She broke good. When the dirt hit her in the face I lost position. She never acted like that. Then when we turned for home, she started running again and coming through horses, but it was too late. She wasn't comfortable.”

Second Breeders’ Cup World Championship victory for trainer Wesley Ward (both in 2014) Record 21st Breeders’ Cup World Championship victory for jockey Mike Smith