We knew our IdaBet.com players would want to hear from Keeneland racing experts:
Quotes for the $500,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1)
Rusty Arnold (winning trainer of Weep No More)
“I thought she’d be that far back, and I told her (my wife, Sarah) about the half-mile pole, ‘I think she can get up for third from here.’ She just kept going, and they backed up a little bit. It was nice for the (owner) Bromagens, and we’ve been pointing for this race for two months.”
On her keys to big improvement
“Two turns, and she just came around. Each race she’s been better and better. Did we expect this? Not quite, but she’s a step ahead of us.
“We’ve got the mile and eighth in the (Kentucky) Oaks (G1) coming up. Jack Bohannan did all the work with her. She was under quarantine at Payson, and he trained her two months. Great job.”
Corey Lanerie (winning rider)
“At the top of the lane, to be honest, I didn’t think I would get up. I was rolling, I had a lot of horse, but with the short stretch, I was hoping to be third. Then about 70 yards from the wire, I was like, ‘C’mon baby – we can get it.’ She kept running and ran a huge race. Thanks to Rusty and them for the opportunity. What a great training job. He gave me all the confidence in the world, just to ride her, let her run her race and see what happens.”
Florent Geroux (rider of runner-up Rachel’s Valentina)
“I had a great trip. Cathryn Sophia came to me a little bit earlier than what I wanted her to, but it’s part of the game; it’s a race. (Weep No More) came from nowhere and just nailed us right at the end.”
Javier Castellano (rider of third-place finisher and beaten favorite Cathryn Sophia)
“It was a perfect trip; it was what I was looking for today. You have to be prepared (to duel with a...