Preakness Quotes

“Horse racing better hold its breath and hope this filly gets to the finish line healthy and happy.” -Louisville Courier-Journal columnist Rick Bozich on the ramifications if something were to happen to Rachel Alexandra during the Blackberry Preakness Stakes (G1) today

“About 30 seconds after the Derby.”
-Trainer David Fawkes on when he decided to send Big Drama to the Blackberry PreaknessStakes (G1).

“It’s a good position to be in. Like I said all along, I think she’s the best horse in the country,and I’m not going to go back on my word.”
-Jockey Calvin Borel on Kentucky Oaks (G1)winner Rachel Alexandra

“I didn’t see the winner; Tom Durkin didn’t even see the winner.”
-Sohby Sonbol, racing manager for Zayat Stables,talking about Pioneerof the Nile on the lead turning for home in the Kentucky Derby and thinking he was going to win

“You get a look at that horse and wonder how’d that little runt beat me.”
-Gary Stute, trainer of Papa Clem, who finished fourth to Mine That Bird in the Kentucky Derby

“I love coming here, because in the stakes barn everybody is relaxed; the Derby is over. You get to see everybody and then you get to get a good look at the horse that beat you.”
-Bob Baffert, trainer of Pioneerof the Nile, who finished second to Mine That Bird in the Kentucky Derby

“A minimum of eight goggles—minimum.”
-Retired Racing Hall of Fame jockey and NBC Sports analyst Gary Stevens on how many goggles Racing Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will have to wear when riding Mine That Bird if the track is muddy or sloppy for the Preakness Stakes (G1)—compiled by Ed DeRosa and Jeff Lowe