SECOND SUMMER BREEDER'S CUP MAYBE

         

            MARIO GUTIERREZ, SECOND SUMMER, WINNER: “Every single race he has improved a lot and he showed it today. Today, he had a good race, he pulled it through and was very game every time I asked him. I’m very happy with him.

When asked about returning from a third place finish at Pimlico Race Course yesterday aboard Nyquist- “That’s horse racing. After the race, everybody has an opinion on everything that happened. The horse came out of the race good and it looks like we’re going to run in the Belmont.”







TRAINER QUOTES



PETER EURTON, SECOND SUMMER, WINNER: “He has an affinity to quicken and his stamina is just amazing. He was having trouble with the grass, getting ahold of it and I’ve just got to give kudos to Larry Zap. Great pick Larry!

“When I saw him at the three-eighths pole he just looked like he was loaded. It looked like he was going to get boxed in for a second (by Lieutenant Colonel and Point Piper) and when Mario made the move to go in-between the two of ’em…that was just such a great, money move.

“I can’t say enough good things about this horse, he just keeps getting better. I think we’re going to have some fun in about four or five weeks. We’re so excited about (possible run in the Gold Cup on June 25, Grade I $500,000 1 ¼ miles). It could be a fun summer. The timing allows us a chance to let him come down for a second, but not much.

“I’ve never had a colt that was this good, going long on dirt. I didn’t realize that the Gold Cup was a Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In race.



LARRY BENAVIDEZ, HARD ACES, SECOND: “He ran very well, no complaints at all. The winner got a seamless trip. Right now, it’s on to the Gold Cup and we’ll be back to defend our title.”



NOTES: The winning owners are Sharon Alesia of Carlsbad, Ca, Joe Ciaglia of Upland, CA, Marc Ferrell of Yorba Linda, CA and Slam Dunk Racing.