Quotes from the $200,000 Appalachian (G2) Presented by Japan Racing Association

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

Luis Saez (winning rider of Jouster)

“She was so professional today, she broke from there so sharp. We just tried to relax and she did it so perfect. She came into the stretch and I had so much horse so I was just letting her be happy and we came to the end she just took off. She’s good.”

Jack Wolf (managing partner of winning owner Starlight Racing)

“These last few days on this turf, the speed hasn't been holding which is what I was concerned about. Luis said before the race that he was going to try to get her to relax. The fractions you saw were perfect.”

Brian Lynch (trainer of runner-up Gift List [GB], who was making her North American debut)

“When I looked up at the half-mile pole and saw :49, I knew we were in trouble. She ran a really great race and now we are Grade 2-placed.”

Joel Rosario (rider of third-place finisher Plum Ali)

“That horse (the winner) took the lead easily and it was hard to catch her after that. But (Plum Ali) put in a nice run. I’m happy with my filly. She was running nice in the end, but just with the way the pace went it made it difficult.”