Read what each of the jockeys had to say about their mounts in the 2020 Caulfield Guineas at Caulfield on Saturday.
Winning Jockey William Pike on Ole Kirk
“Before the turn I thought ‘half the job is done here’ but he (Aysar) was gone before acceptances! Then it was plan B, C and D all came out at once.
“I went in, and then I went out. It just took me a moment to gather momentum. Once he did he was strong through the line yet again. These Hawkes team horses, they have them pretty right. I’ve just got to get my end right and we’re good.
“My first ever sit on him. I was so grateful for the support. We had to zig and zag a little bit, but pretty happy we got the job done.”
Brett Prebble on Lunar Fox: “Super. We were going for the 18 (1800) and we had to scratch. We put the side winkers on him and threw the ball at the stumps and he’s run an incredible fifth. He’s probably just looking for the extra distance. He’s got the sharpness out of his legs and he’s going along like a nice stayer.”
Damien Oliver on Mo’unga: “I thought he ran well. He’s going to be a really nice horse next preparation with a bit of give in the ground.”
Mark Zahra on Cambourne: “I think he’s had enough.”
John Allen on Grandslam: “I think he’s going super, very honest. When the likely leader missed the kick I think we were all looking at one another coming to the first bend. We had to roll on and he ran super.”
Jordan Childs on Poland: “Bit disappointing. Got across outside of the leader, travelled good. Just didn’t have any gears there when I needed it.”
Damian Lane on Aysar: “Good run.”
Michael Rodd on Mamaragan: “He probably just didn’t see the mile out. He’s a lovely horse. He’ll be better next year after a rest.”
Michael Dee on Captain Corelli: “Not just good enough.”
Craig Newitt on National Choice: “Needs to be gelded.”
Hugh Bowman on King’s Legacy: “I can’t take anything away from the field but I don’t think he ran his best race. He settled well but he didn’t let down like he can unfortunately.”
Daniel Stakehouse on Crosshaven: “Super run. Just had to use him up a bit early when there was a lot of horses going forward and he did a very good, tough job.”
Ben Hayes on Aysar: “Damian rode him absolutely fantastic. Looked the winner three times in the straight. I thought he ran a huge race. The winner is obviously a very good horse – a Group 1 winner last start. Just shown he’s up to that class and proven that he’s a really quality colt. I think he’ll hae his turn.”
Jye McNeil on Amish Boy: “Ran super. He’s probably still a prep off his best. He’s still a bit immature but he only just saw the mile out today, too. He’ll be better next prep.”
Craig Williams on Tagaloa: “He failed to hold his position mid-race. I was concerned but I was happy to let him travel at that stage. All of a sudden he just kept losing ground really quickly. I never fully tested him. He failed to respond to my riding. I eased him down and it will be interesting to see how he comes through the run.”