__GRADE II, $200,000 MATHIS MILE STAKES QUOTES __

JOCKEY QUOTES

ANTONIO FRESU, WATSONVILLE, WINNER: “I wanted to keep him up close today and give him a target. When he hit the front, he pricked his ears and he was off. The favorite actually passed us, but my horse dug in. He continues to get better and better. I won twice with him and he was always green. The last race (Hollywood Derby) was too far for him. I just thought if we were in a better position today, he would respond.”

OWNER QUOTES

ANA MARON, SAINTS AND SINNERS, WATSONVILLE, WINNER:“It is just emotional because Watsonville went through a lot when he was younger. We didn’t know if he would make it, so all of us were just kneeling and praying that he would make it through, so seeing him come this far it is exhilarating.

MARK PINE, PINE RACING STABLES, WATSONVILLE, WINNER: I Grew up in a town called Watsonville in Monterey Bay and so I decided to name him after that. But I asked Hans first, because it was sort of a weird name.

HANS MARON, SAINTS AND SINNERS, WATSONVILLE, WINNER: “Two for two you can never complain about that, we’ve showed up and we have been very fortunate in this game so far.”

PRESENTER QUOTES

RITT MATHIS, MATHIS HOME, PRESENTER: “We are just so proud of this park and the opening day event is just such a great thing to be a part of. For us the charitable connection of being able to support CARMA and Thoroughbred After Care, putting the horse first on a day like today where we are all out here celebrating is what makes it feel really good and what is in the center of our partnership. Trying to look after horses and just being in love with these beautiful athletes.”

NOTES: The winning owners are Pine Racing Stables and Saints or Sinners.