Find out what the jockeys made of their mounts after the Group 1 $750,000 James Squire Metropolitan (2400m) at Royal Randwick.
Reece Jones (Land Legend): “That’s unbelievable. When he was a little bit tardy into stride and a little bit further back than where I wanted to be I thought it was just going to be a little bit tougher. I just had to keep my cool, let him build into it.
“I knew I found the back of Zardozi, I’d be right in the finish. Took me everywhere I needed to go. I didn’t want to trust his turn of foot against her so I just made sure he was up and mobile, similar to when he won the St Leger. He was terrific and tough then, to come here and do the same again today, credit to the Waller camp, they’ve got him absolutely spot on for today.
“It’s a little bit surreal. I’ve been waiting for this day for a while. I’ve got my partner Sam here today.
“Just it’s been unreal for everyone that’s kind of helped me get to where I am. I’m just really thankful to Bon Ho and the Waller team for keeping their faith in me and letting me ride him today.
“I’ve kind of waited my turn. It’s surreal, don’t get me wrong. I’m not the emotional type, but this is fantastic. I can’t be more happier.”
Land Legend wins the Metropolitan
Zac Lloyd (Zardozi): No comment
Jay Ford (Unusual Legacy): “He was brave. One pushed off at the half way point left him three wide. Developed into a sit and sprint which is not his forte.”
Regan Bayliss (Military Mission): “He is flying under the radar. Enjoyed a beautiful run in transit just didn’t have the right horses to take me into the race.”
Tim Clark (Serpentine): “He got to the front and travelled well. I tried to quicken away before the bend but he wasn’t able to. He tried hard.”
Craig Williams (Que Tempesta): “He gave me a lovely ride from the barrier to be inside the eventual winner but when I put him under pressure getting into the straight he failed to respond. See how he comes through the run.”
Rachel King (Alegron): “Massive run. I think if he gets a bit of luck he runs top 4.”
Dylan Gibbons (Cleveland): “No good. He tricked me into thinking he would run well but once I pushed the button he stayed the same speed.”
Jason Collett (Athabascan): “Left well from the gate but wasn’t strong late.”
Tom Sherry (Trust In You): “He has gone enormous. We had a nice run. I think the St Leger will be ideal in two weeks time.”
Zac Wadick (Future History): “Put himself in a good spot. Quickened up well from the 700m onwards. Seems the winners had more sprint from the 400m to the 200m. Stayed on nicely.”
Kerrin McEvoy (Etna Rosso): No comment
Mark Du Plessis (First Light): “Had a nice run. Just in the last half mile I tried to get on the back of Zardozi but she went past me.”
Andrew Adkins (Wyclif): “He went terrific. Took his medicine from the wide gate so hard to make up that ground. A good enough job.”
Jett Stanley (Immediacy): “Bad gate and had to go back. When the pace came on he struggled. Don’t know about he Sydney way.”
Winona Costin (Strathtay): “A really nice run. Hit the line super late.”
Alysha Collett (Matusalem): “Very honest run. Just overdid it early.”
Check out the replays and results from TAB Epsom Day at Royal Randwick