Caracortado - amazing rally in the Daytona Stakes 2012

DAYTONA HANDICAP QUOTES


JOCKEY QUOTES



RAFAEL BEJARANO, CARACORTADO, WINNER: “I knew I had a lot of horse so I didn’t want to use him too early. I just tried to follow instructions from the trainer. He told me before the race to wait, and as soon as I crossed the dirt that I would have a good turn of foot from the horse. He said not to go too early and just wait for one big run. As soon as I closed the door my horse was flying. This is the first horse that I’ve rode that has this kind of finishing speed. He showed me a big kick. It was unbelievable.”





Caracortado couldn’t handle Regally Ready in the Grade 2 BC Turf Sprint when 5th to that foe, but a different pace scenario, longer trip and return to his backyard made all the difference. Caracortado was far back off a sizzling pace from the start in the small field. He didn’t appear to be going anywhere as Mr Gruff and Regally Ready went toe-to-toe early but once he came across the dirt crossing he blasted home to inhale his rivals and win going away in most impressive fashion. It showed what many thought going into the Breeders’ Cup – that on his day he can compete with the best turf sprinters anywhere. Victory Pete sat 3rd but was well behind the 2 sizzlers. He was no match for the winner but kept on well to edge past the 2 tiring pacesetters. Mr Gruff and Regally Ready dueled through insane splits and paid the price, fittingly finishing in a dead heat for 3rd.