Stakes Quotes: FIREBREAK STAKES (GROUP 3)

OFFICIAL STAKES QUOTES

FIREBREAK STAKES (GROUP 3)

$200,000 | 1600m (dirt)

Winner: CAPEZZANO
Pedigree: Bernardini – Cableknit (Unbridled’s Song)
Owner: Sultan Ali
Trainer: Salem bin Ghadayer
Jockey: Mickael Barzalona
Official Time: 1:36.23 (new stakes record)
Track Record: 1:34.99 – Muntazah, 2019
Stakes Record (Meydan Dirt): 1:36.51 – North America, 2017
Margin of Victory: 7 Lengths

Mickael Barzalona, Jockey, CAPEZZANO (1^st)—“We expected a big run from and it was good for him to see the track before the big races. He ran a big race and should have plenty left in the tank. We are pretty happy with the way he is handling it before the race. He keeps improving. I’m pretty sure this will give him a lot of confidence. Now he will fly over there (to Saudi Arabia) and the track will suit him over there, as well. Hopefully he runs a big race. I’m very pleased with the way Capezzano ran today.

Salem bin Ghadayer, Trainer, CAPEZZANO (1^st)—Always his first time out, he doesn’t perform (well), but we saved him this year since we heard about the Saudi race and for (Dubai) World Cup. We believe in this horse and his ability. We wanted to wait until this race. I know it’s just two weeks until the Saudi Cup, but we needed the race for his confidence and thank God he performed well. He showed his ability. We will go to the Saudi race and then (Dubai) World Cup night.”

Tadhg O’Shea, Jockey, SECRET AMBITION (2^nd)—“He stumbled a little bit leaving the starting gate and it got very congested when we met the race proper. The outside horses were coming in, but he ran a huge race. The winner is lethal when he gets an easy leady like that. My fellow is probably better when they go faster earlier. All credit to the winner today. He did very well. My fellow has a big heart and he ran all the way to the line.”

Royston Ffrench, Jockey, MATTERHORN (3^rd)—“I had a smooth trip out there following his stablemate Capezzano. He handled the surface fine. I couldn’t be happier with him. Trying him on the dirt was to see how he coped with was the main objective and I couldn’t fault him.”

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