3 minute read

Trainer and jockey quotes after Mr Quickie wins the Elvis Thurgood Victoria Handicap at Caulfield on Saturday.

Race Result:

1st: Mr Quickie (P Stokes/B Allen) - $6.50
2nd: Still A Star (B Ryan/M Poy) - $26
3rd: Galaxy Raider (G Begg/M Dee) - $61

Winning Time: 1:22.73 Last 600m: 35.70

Margins: Head x ½-Neck

Mr Quickie launched down the middle of the track to take out the Group 3 Elvis Thurgood Victoria Handicap. @MelbRacingClub @pstokesracing

— Racing.com (@Racing) April 3, 2021

Winning Trainer: Phillip Stokes (part-owner Wylie Dalziel speaking)

"The plan was to try and bring him back in grade. I spoke to Stokesy (trainer Phillip Stokes) and Mitho (part-owner Anthony Mithen) abot trying to drop him back in grade and when he drew the carpark, we were a bit deflated. But at the end of the day, he was the best horse in the race and he was coming back from the All-Star Mile and The Futurity.

"When I saw them winning from the back and down the middle, I thought 'you know what, he can do this'.

"Jamie Kah was previously booked for this horse but Ben (Allen) knows this horse super. Good on him. "He's undefeated on him and he suits the horse. Job done, fantastic."

Next: "We're going to come to the VOBIS Gold meeting and run in the mile race. We considered the Doncaster, but it's generally won by a lightweight horse, so we took that off the table and three the idea around of the Stradbroke, first-up, 1400 (metres). I think a few people doubted the 1400 coming back today, but Phillip knows how to train him, keep him sharper for the 1400 to 1600, so we think VOBIS Gold day and then seven weeks into a Stradbroke, which is generally a Group 1 run at a quicker speed, so that will be the plan."

Winning Jockey: Ben Allen

Almost your favourite horse: "Definitely. That's my fourth ride on him for my fourth win on him. I haven't been beaten on him, so hopefully I can keep the ride wherever he goes next start. It's good to get a win for this group of owners, especially Phillip Stokes. He's been a big supporter of mine and he's always helping me out when I need it."

How race unfolded: "I was pretty disappointed when the draw came out. From there, any spot you end up in is a bonus. I was in the three-wide line. It's been a big effort as he had to pop out early and get rolling into it."

On Ricky Thurgood: "Everytime you get to ride in a race like this, and to win, it's an honour."