3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes after Streets Of Avalon wins the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Streets Of Avalon (Z Spain/S Nichols) - $8.50
2nd: Imaging (C Williams/C Waller) - $6.50
3rd: Crosshaven (D Stackhouse/T Dabernig & B Hayes) - $3.10
Winning Time: 1:22.62 Last 600m: N/A
Margins: ½L x 2¼L
Streets of Avalon has done it and wins the C.F Orr Stakes.
— Racing.com (@Racing) February 6, 2021
Zac Spain wins his first Group 1. pic.twitter.com/DdddjP2me0
Winning Trainer: Shane Nichols
"The heart was racing. I gave it a test out and it came through in flying colours. I don't know whether mine works as good as his (horse) but when Igaing came to him I thought we were in a bit of strife but he just came again. He found and was holding the other horse on the line. It was a remarkable performance by a tough horse.
"When he has to really dig to find the line. Obviously we had that run under our belt which helped him going into today somewhere near his top.
"I'm in admiration of this horse. He's a warrior. For a horse that has had as many runs as he's had to still be fronting up winning Group 1s is a remarkable performance. Not only from the team at home but also the track at Mornington. They present up great stuff and it enables us to keep this horse sound.
"He's racing well. I'm beside himself.
"I was pretty emotional after the Australia Stakes and now I'm just pumped."
Healthy recovery: "It was a tough time. The well-wishes and things made it all seem a little bit easier and days like today, that and family is what you live for."
On Zac Spain: "Credit to Phil Warren. He had no qualms in putting him on. I was happy to. He's done a good job with him, Zac. I think he's (won) six on him now and hif first Group 1. That's the story - Zaccy Spain. They just need the opportunity and they need to seize them when they get it. He seized it and he got it. Well done."
Winning Jockey: Zac Spain
"I don't think it has sunk in yet. I celebrated a bit after the line and was calling out a fair bit. He's just been a super horse to me. Career changing, really. He was my first Listed, then Group 2 and now a Group 1.
"I can't thank Shane, and Phil Warren and the whole ownership group (enough). They've stuck strong with me and to repay them with a Group 1 win is fantastic."
The run: "I think Imaging headed me but he's as tough as nails and rock-hard fit. How good of a trainer Shane is. Just had him spot on. It's fantastic.
"Hopefully Mum and Dad were watching. They'd be shedding a few tears. I hope I made them proud and even my two brothers, Johnno and Adrian, they'd have been watching. I'm just so overwhelmed.
"It's so hard (competitive) in Melbourne. So hard. It's just all about opportunities. I don't ride in town much but when you ride these good horses in town you need to capitalise and to get the job done is fantastic.
"I was 15 when I had my first ride on a horse and I learnt how to ride at TAFE in South Australia.
"I appreciate everyone that has been behind me. Especially my manager, Dave, and Winksy - he's on board now as well. I've just found that having Winksy as a mentor I've kept stepping up and going to that next level. I just can't thank everyone enough behind the scenes."
Beaten jockeys:
Damian Lane - Humidor: "He ran well. Hit the line good."
Glen Boss - Sir Dragonet: "I was surprised when the sprint came on he came off the bridle a bit. He was very dour with me. But, we've learnt a valuable lesson today. He's obviously going to be better on soft (ground) but I'm not going to blame the track at all. The track is in great condition and his action was fine. We just found that he hasn't got the speed to win over seven (furlongs)."
Jye McNeil - Angel Of Truth: "Just copped a bit of interference at the beginning and put me out of the race. Made up a lot of ground through the line."
Craig Williams - Imaging: "Unfortunately the barrier was a big disadvantage. Three-wide, no cover. He ran up to his trainers predicaments (predictions) and the way he's been working. It is just a shame that we got beaten. If we had a more economical barrier then I have no doubt that the placings would have been reversed."
Mark Zahra - Blazejowski: "He ran as good as he could. He went well."
Jordan Childs - Arcadia Prince: "He just came off the bit a long way from home and I think that tolled in the straight. He'll be better once he gets over a mile and further."
Damien Oliver - Sovereign Award: "She wasn't quite up to it."
Daniel Stackhouse - Crosshaven: "Really happy with his first-up performance today."
