Read what each of the jockeys had to say about the runs of their mounts in the 2020 Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.
Winning Jockey: Luke Currie on Arcadia Queen
Easy watch: “She’s a workman. There was a bit going on early so we took our time, sat back. They didn’t go overly hard and she can truck on a bit, as we saw last time when she caught heels, so I was a bit mindful that I didn’t want to start her. I spoke to Pikey (Willie Pike) the other day and he said it doesn’t matter where she is, if she’s travelling up, she’ll be too good for them and he was spot on.”
Arrogant win: “She got in that three-wide, with cover line, and slowly worked forward which worked out perfectly for her and her style.
“I like to thank Mr Peters and Grant and Alana for giving me the opportunity today and Willie Pike for going back to Perth, thanks very much. I owe you a beer, I don’t think he drinks, so it might be a Red Bull.”
Highs over take the lows: “These days are what they’re all about. There’s plenty of lows in racing, but the highs, are high.”
“It was a pleasure to ride her.
“I knew they’d go steady but she’d have the best turn of foot of anything, even off a slow tempo. I spoke to Pikey at length the other day and he told me all the ins and outs about her. He just said wherever she is, if she’s third, she’s third, if she’s last, be last. You’ll know cornering how she’s going because when you give her a little squeeze and she was going well. He said to wait until the 400 (metres) but I got going a little early because they’ve gone steady and I didn’t want to wait too long. She was brilliant to ride.
“She’s was too good. She’s all quality.
“I think she’s pretty special. She’s so big and imposing. Just the way she comes out. As soon as you ask her, she goes. She was amazing today.”
Craig Willaims on Harlem: “Incredible run. Gave me a beautiful run from an inside barrier draw. They were just a little bit too good for us today.”
Jye McNeil on Melody Belle: “Great run. Travelled into it really well. Probably had to come out a bit earlier than I would have liked but might’ve found the ground a touch today. She would’ve had a better turn-of-foot if it was a bit softer.”
Damien Oliver on Shout The Bar: “She ran really well. Toughed it out really well.”
John Allen on Fifty Stars: “He’s run super. She was just too good today.”
Luke Nolen on Mr Quickie: “He was sound.”
Michael Dee on Mirage Dancer: “He travelled good but when the tempo came and they quickened, he had a flat spot.”
Glen Boss on Skyward: “It would be best to forget about his prep. He hasn’t settled in I don’t think. He’s a far better horse than that. I just said to Trent (Busuttin) and Nat (Young) give him a break and start all over again. He’s just flat.”
Jamie Kah on Dalasan: “He was one-paced. They went steady but he’s probably at the end of his prep.”
