John Velazquez was at the controls as the son of Proud Citizen made his 2012 debut for trainer George Weaver. Super Chunky, who also raced close to the pace, finished 2 ¼ lengths back in second, while pacesetter Ju Jitsu Jax settled for third.
Fiddlers Patriot completed the five-furlong distance in 56.12 and paid $10.60.
Jim McKay Turf Sprint Stakes Quotes
George Weaver (winning trainer, Fiddlers Patriot) – “I was a little bit timid about running this horse five-eighths. Sometimes going five-eighths you have to run and gun the whole way. I know he has good early speed, but I was a little bit reluctant to run five-eighths. He was ready to run and we thought we’d run today and at least know if he does handle five-eighths. Now we have a lot more options.”
John Velazquez (winning jockey, Fiddlers Patriot) – “The last few times I rode him it had rained and the turf was soft. He was bouncing around. I know he’s a quick horse. Today he broke well and saved ground. I followed the speed around the turn and let him go turning for home. We had a perfect trip.”
Sheldon Russell (jockey, beaten favorite, Ben’s Cat) – “He didn’t break as sharp as I would have liked. We were badly bumped on the turn. These big runners are always a concern because speed is holding strong on the turf. He galloped out strong.”