Quotes from the $600,000 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1)

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

Irad Ortiz Jr. (winning rider of Forte)

“At the turn, he was still figuring it out. He’s a young horse, and I had to start working really hard on him. He started doing it little by little, but by the time I got there and hit the lead he started acting a little green and laying in a little bit. I had to take a big hold of him the whole stretch. He didn’t even let me ride him that well. The whole time I had to hold him and, that horse inside of me, take care of him at the same time as I win the race.”

Florent Geroux (rider of runner-up Loggins)

“It was a good race. I got squeezed a little at the eighth pole. (Forte) came in a little bit on me and my horse was shifting, and I think it cost me the win.”

Brad Cox (trainer of Loggins)

“He ran a good race. I am proud of him. He’s a good colt. He ran a winning race – just came up a little short. He battled back.”

On whether Loggins will continue to the Breeders’ Cup

“We will regroup after we see how he comes out of this race.”

Ricardo Santana Jr. (rider of third-place fiisher Red Route One)

“My horse tried really hard; I’m really happy. This was his first time trying the dirt. He gave me a really good finish and Steve (Asmussen), the team and I are really happy with his performance today. 

Luis Saez (rider of fourth-place finisher Instant Coffee)

“He’s learning. When he received the dirt in the face, he kind of stayed away from it. He was a little shy. When he came to the last three-eighths, he made a huge move. It was a big field. He’s learning and he’s going to be all right next time.”