Stakes Quotes: UAE 2000 GUINEAS (GROUP 3)

OFFICIAL STAKES QUOTES

UAE 2000 GUINEAS (GROUP 3)
$250,000 | 1600m (dirt)

Winner: FORE LEFT
Pedigree: Twirling Candy – Simply Sunny (Unbridled’s Song)
Owner: Reddam Racing
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Jockey: William Buick
Official Time: 1:38.43
Track Record: 1:34.99 – Muntazah, 2019
Stakes Record (Meydan Dirt): 1:37.69 – Maftool, 2016
Margin of Victory: 1¾ Lengths

William Buick, Jockey, FORE LEFT (1st)—“Doug O’Neill and his team were very confident that this horse had more speed than any other horse in this race, which he showed, but of course, I had to work hard and it took me a long time to eventually get across. He set good fractions, got a little bit of a breather on the turn and then kicked again. He’s just a very game, honest horse who stuck on very well. He’s got a lot of speed and stayed the mile. I guess they’ll be pointing him to the (1900m $2.5 million) UAE Derby (G2) now, which is another furlong and a half, so we’ll see about that. It was a huge performance from the horse to get where he did, from where he did and in the manner he did. He got there within himself and put himself in a position after three furlongs to control the race, but it took a good horse to do it and that’s what he is.”

Doug O’Neill, Trainer, FORE LEFT (1st)—“That was so cool. I was absolutely going nuts and I’m so happy for Mr. Reddam and for my whole team. I am so proud to be part of a great team with Leandro (Mora, assistant) and Tony Romero and the entire team there and back home in California. What an awesome experience. With the post and the way the race was run with a little bend before the backstretch, he had to work a little extra-hard to get into position, so that was very impressive—but that’s why William is a top jockey. He did exactly what he had to do and didn’t overdo it. He got a little tired late, but probably had a lot to do with what I just mentioned and that he had two months off. This race will do him a world of good. After this, we will see how he comes out. If he’s diving into his feed tub, we may run him one more time (in the $350,000 Al Bastakiya on March 7), but if for any reason he shows fatigue, we’ll wait for the Derby. Dubai has made it so easy for us to relax and enjoy this and I’m a big believer that horses are a reflection of the people around them and this has been a great experience.”

Mickael Barzalona, Jockey, ZABARDAST (2nd)—“We ran him three races in a row and he really surprised me last time, which is why we ran him today. He proved he’s going to be a horse with quality. He got a little keen on the bend, but I’m really pleased with the way he ran. He’s a very good horse for the future.”

Tadhg O’Shea, Jockey, EMBLEM STORM (3rd)—“He ran a very good race and is a very nice horse, only having his second run of his life. He ran a big, big race against tough horses. I think there is better to come, even going further in trip.”

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