Click here for a replay of the race and the post-race interview with winning connections.

Wesley Ward (winning trainer of Nakatomi)

“Longevity (is the key to campaigning veteran sprinters). We turn him out at Fergus Galvin’s Hunter Valley Farm. (Galvin is Racing Manager of co-owner Qatar Racing.) His daughter (Elle-Marie) feeds him every day, gives him carrots and candy, rides him there. He’s just a wonderful horse to be around. That bunch of months off where they’re not training is key to longevity. He comes back fresh in the spring and he’s still winning.”

On running in the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) Oct. 31 at Keeneland

“Hope so. I’ll talk it over with Fergus and (the connections) and see if that’s what they want to do. He shows he’s still got it.”

Irad Ortiz Jr. (winning rider)

“It was great. I felt like I had horse every step of the way. He was traveling so good. I won on him last year and he came from last to first (in the 2025 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix), so we had the same plan and it worked out beautifully. He broke good and put me in position. I waited my time to go and he gave me a good kick down the lane. I just let him do his thing and do my thing and let him find his stride. I didn’t want to get involved too early and make him do something he didn’t want to do. I let him be him. He gave me a good kick. I’m happy to be back. It feels good to be in the Winner’s Circle.”

John Velazquez (rider of runner-up Little Thunder)

“I got a perfect trip. He settled nicely. I tried not to be engaged early in the race. Ran great besides that somebody else won.”