Find out what the jockeys made of their mounts after the $4m Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick.
Tom Marquand (Addeybb): “I’m not going to lie. I was skeptical, as many were, and all I can say is thank you because it’s been incredible. He’s always a pretty average workhorse. Until this year I have only ever sat on him once at home. William was always pretty keen to just go and sit on him at the races where he gives you confidence.”
“At home he is pretty underwhelming and to be honest it put doubts in my mind, which you can’t help, but he’s a monster when he gets on track, he just changes, and how tough he was there, genuinely, at the 300m I got into a state of it didn’t matter what was around me it was just him galloping. He’s incredible.”
“I was completely unaware of which horses were where, all I could feel what that they were all pushing to the line, but if ever there is a horse to have at the 200m in a scrap it is him. It’s the closest I have been to tears in a very long time and I’m not that old. Genuinely this is what makes up for what we do. It’s been tough being away home for a few months but I’d do it ten times over for a moment like that.”
Glen Boss (Sir Dragonet): “Probably not my most intelligent ride I’ve ever ridden in a race. He was good. With the tempo in the race I probably should have made a mid-race move at the mile. But I thought I’d tag Verry Elleegant who was probably the horse to beat. He was left flat-footed when they sprinted. In all honesty I should have been on my bike much much earlier. ”
Hugh Bowman (Mugatoo): “Had a lovely run. Wasn’t quite up to them.”
Brenton Avdulla (Think It Over): “He ran well. Shows the Doncaster was the one that got away last week. He was held up for clear running at the top of the straight. Once they zapped his energy he just peaked.”
Kerrin McEvoy (Dalasan): “Great run. Wasn’t suited in front, he pricked his ears. Kicked really well once challenged.”
James McDonald (Verry Elleegant): “She went amazing. Was pulling a bit hard early, and was jostled a bit which got her upset.”
Tommy Berry (Mo’unga): “He’s been beaten two lengths by Verry Elleegant. He’s only three with a few grand finals this prep. He’s done very well. Can’t wait for him to come back in the spring.”
