Stakes Quotes: AL MAKTOUM CHALLENGE R3 (GROUP 1)

AL MAKTOUM CHALLENGE R3 (GROUP 1)
$600,000 | 2000m (dirt)

Winner: MATTERHORN
Pedigree: Raven’s Pass – Tanaghum (Darshaan)
Owner: HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer
Jockey: Mickael Barzalona
Official Time: 2:04.44
Track Record: 2:01.38 – Thunder Snow, 2018
Stakes Record (Meydan Dirt): 2:01.71 – North America, 2018
Margin of Victory: 5½ Lengths

Mickael Barzalona, Jockey, MATTERHORN (1st)—“We have been expecting a lot from him. It took him a little time to understand how to run on the dirt, but last time he ran really well over a mile (finishing second in the Group 3 Firebreak). After that, he has improved a lot. We’re very pleased with him. His quality did the rest. We expect him to improve again.”  

Salem bin Ghadayer, Trainer, MATTERHORN (1st)—“We always thought he would handle the dirt well and he has always trained well on it. We were very pleased with his first start when third to our Capezzano in the Firebreak. We knew this longer trip would suit him and the plan was always to be positive on him, so Mickael has given him a great ride.”

Antonio Fresu, Jockey, MILITARY LAW (2nd)—“He broke well, but he couldn’t follow the pace because it was very fast early on. He started taking a lot of kickback and it was hard to come from off the pace. We did it anyway and finished really well. The winner was too good tonight, so we’ll see next time.”

Pat Cosgrave, Jockey, MARK OF APPROVAL (3rd)—“He ran massive. They went really quick. He’s just a solid horse that keeps trying. Well done to the connections for having a go.”

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