3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes following the Inglis Sires’ won by Manaal at Randwick on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Manaal (M Freedman/J Collett) - $5.50
2nd: Traffic Warden (J Cummings/J Kah) - $7.50
3rd: Coleman (M Laurie/D Lane) - $8
Winning Time: 1:24.33 Last 600m: 35.95
Margins: ½ Head x 1L
What a finish in the G1 Sires’
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 6, 2024
There was nothing between Traffic Warden and Manaal, with the filly the victor!@aus_turf_club @MFreedmanRacing pic.twitter.com/HMOsKmsn4X
Winning Trainer: Michael Freedman
On the close finish: "I watched it with Hussain Lootah, the owner, and we were both a bit unsure on the line.
On the horse: "She's such a good filly. We went home a little bit dejected after the Slipper, circumstances as they were, but after her work on Tuesday said to Hussain, 'I really think it will take a good one to beat her'.
"No disrespect to any of the opposition, for sure, but she's a really good filly and I'm really excited by what she might be able to do coming back as a three-year-old as well."
On her make-up: "She's a real sweetheart around the stables. She's just got the most beautiful temperament and that's the Tassorts, I've got three or four of these and they've just got the most brilliant temperaments, which make our job so much easier.
"Hopefully Hussain can find a few more for me."
On winning a Group 1 on a big day: "It's a huge thrill. These big days are what we all do it for.
"I remember she came into work, I guess, this time last year for her first preparation, so it's a long haul to get these horses here and it takes the good ones to still be here and fighting in these good Group 1 races."
Winning Jockey: Jason Collett
On the filly and the win: "She's tough. I travelled well when the tempo come off but just came under pressure there when they went and just had to give her the time to find it.
"She's just got a real attitude and toughness about her, which showed late."
On his association with Manaal: "I was fortunate enough to pick her up in the Slipper and although she didn't win it, it felt like a win.
"I came back in and I could see the excitement in Michael's eyes and the team.
"She had an awful gate (in the Slipper), so we went into today with confidence. Her work on Tuesday was the same as before going into the Slipper. Again she drew wide, but she was able to overcome it."
How the race panned out: "They went early then they pulled up through the middle. I was trying to hold Coleman in but he's a big horse and I'm not, so he got out, and I just then had to give her time to rebalance.
"I thought I might have only had to Coeman to beat, but Traffic Warden was still there, and luckily she got her nose down."
On winning a Group 1 with family on course: "I didn't think they were coming today but then Clare (Ciunningham, partner) came home from sports with the little one and said, 'we're going to the races'. This is awesome."
Beaten Jockeys:
James McDonald (Storm Boy): "He did a good job. He was trapped deep and he just refused to settle there for a bit."
Damian Lane (Coleman): "He ran super. I was just beaten for speed early and had to make too much ground in the run in. He sprinted well but run ended at the 100m."
Jamie Kah (Traffic Warden): "Super run. So close. He's just improving every time I ride him."
Adam Hyeronimus (Prost): "Just flat out the whole way on the track. He will come back next prep. He's a nice 3yo."
Tim Clark (Anode): "He tried hard but he just found a few stronger."
Tommy Berry (Fearless): "Just uncomfortable in amongst horses today. Went a bit keen but was still honest. It look away his finish."
Rachel King (Vianarra): "Jumped and travelled really well today. A bit sharp for him. He's going to make a nice 3yo."
Zac Purton (Duvana): "Just travelled a bit strong through the mid-stages and when they quickened he was flat-footed."
