$250,000 Phoenix (G3)

 

 

Eurico Rosa Da Silva (rider of winner Fatal Bullet):

 

“The horse ran a great race. He tried 100 percent. He was very relaxed, and he was very brave at the end.”

 

On holding off Capt. Candyman Can

“He’s a nice horse. I’m very, very proud of him. I want to say thanks to (owner) Danny Dion and (trainer) Reade Baker for giving me the opportunity to ride this horse.”

 

Reade Baker (trainer of Fatal Bullet):

 

On Fatal Bullet’s success on all-weather tracks

“He loves it. Thank God they invented it.”

 

On returning to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, in which Fatal Bullet finished second last year

“We’re thrilled, can’t wait to go.”

 

Danny Dion (owner of Fatal Bullet):

 

“We needed that one to confirm to us that we belong with those horses. We’ll be back for the Breeders’ Cup. He really doesn’t like the dirt so we are very happy the Breeders’ Cup will be back at Santa Anita.”

 

 

Ian Wilkes (trainer of second-place finisher Capt. Candyman Can):

 

“He’s game. I’d have to say off that performance we will go to the Breeders’ Cup (Sprint), but we’ll have to make sure he comes out of this fine. He was giving weight to all the horses today. Not to take anything away from the winner, he’s a very nice horse, but I’m proud of my little monster.”

 

 

Javier Castellano (rider of Capt. Candyman Can): 

 

“I’m really happy with the way he ran. I give a lot of credit to the winner. I have a very nice horse. I thought I didn’t have it turning for home but he dug in to the end. I’m very pleased with the way he ran today. He gave me everything he had and finished strong.”

 

 

Julien Leparoux (rider of third-place finish Ez Dreamer):

 

“He was right there the whole way. He got a little tired in the stretch, but I’m really happy with his performance.”

 

 

Chris Landeros (rider of fourth-place finisher and defending champion Sing Baby Sing):

 

“He got away from the gate nice and was comfortable early. There were three or four (horses) in front of us and we just let them go. On the turn, I asked him and he gave me what he had. I thought he ran a good race. That track is fast.”