Quotes by Michael Matz

“Whatever weve asked him so far hes done, so were going to try the dirt now and if he doesnt handle it, well still know that we have an exceptional turf horse. Hed only worked one time on the grass before his last race, and hes trained well on the dirt.”

“Hes obviously a very talented horse. Whether he carries the class he shows on turf over to the dirt, we just dont know yet. But his mother and half-brother (Holy Ground) ran well on the dirt.”

“Javier said he took her back too much. Id like to see her stay closer to the pace.”

“This race will be a test. This was sort of the plan for this horse all along. The timing was just right for his turf races. Weve taken our time with him. Physically, he was ready before, but mentally, he had a lot of growing up to do.”

“[The Jacksons] were very happy, we all were. Edgar said the last sixteenth he just folded up on him and he didnt even hit him with the stick.”

“I was nervous about it, Theyre all in the same boat.”

“So far, hes answered everything thats been asked of him. Im sure sooner or later hes going to get beat, but it hope its later rather than sooner.”

“Weve always known distance would never be a problem with him.”

“He has always trained well on the dirt. His half-brother was a stakes winner on the dirt. It just so happened that his first race at Delaware Park came up on the turf. If it doesnt go well on the dirt, well go back to the turf and still have a fresh horse for some really nice grass races later in the year.”

“Hes the real deal. I think I have a very good horse. Hes the type of horse that gives me that confidence he can do it. My job right now is to do the very best I can for him. One thing thats different from my Olympic experience, I was on the horse and had to do it myself. I have no control once the race starts now.”