ROMANTIC WARRIOR – James McDonald
“I’m speechless, he’s awesome. He was beaten at the 600m but he just finds a way. It’s incredible. I dead-set didn’t have one thing go my way. I had 10 riders dead-set against me and the horse. I just had no favours.

“He is incredible. There wasn’t one part of the race I was happy with, to be honest with you. Going out (of the straight) the first time, I was deep, but I was in a rhythm but not in a good spot. 1000m from home, I was finally having a rest and one took off and at the 600, he was off the bridle and struggling in the ground a tad and he just picks up. I’m just in disbelief."

PROGNOSIS – Trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida
“I feel very frustrated. The horse was in very good form coming into the race. He has been getting used to here and feeling very good. The weather might be a crucial factor for him.”

NORTH BRIDGE – Yasunari Iwata
“He ran his best. Last time in Doha, I couldn’t make enough effort to lead but the way how we ran today is exactly how we planned on this rain affected track.”

HAPPY TOGETHER – Alexis Badel
“It was a great performance. It was a tricky draw, he had a lovely race. He showed good improvement and he is a lovely horse and will remain competitive in Hong Kong.

HISHI IGUAZU – Damian Lane
“He tried hard.”

FIVE G PATCH – Brenton Avdulla
“He ran well. Just ready for a mile and a half now.”

DUBAI HONOUR – Tom Marquand
“He travelled around good on the back of the eventual winner. Just when I needed him he just struggled to pick up and is probably looking for a mile and half on tracks like this.”

MASSIVE SOVEREIGN – Zac Purton
“He just didn’t handle the going and was gone at the 1200 (metres).”

NIMBLE NIMBUS – Andrea Atzeni
“We changed tactics today from the wide draw but that just didn’t suit him.”

STRAIGHT ARRON – Vincent Ho
“A bit disappointing. I was travelling well until the back straight and I copped a big squeeze and the horse didn’t give me anything afterwards.”

SWORD POINT – Derek Leung
“Just not good enough today.”