Edited NYRA Staff Release — Rob Atras, winning trainer of Law Professor (No. 7, $4.20*): “It’s never over until it’s over but the way everything unfolded, it was a very professional victory. I wouldn’t say we were expecting it, but the way he had been training, we were looking for this effort. I’m very glad we got it.
“We were hoping this would be a race he could win and be a confidence builder because he had run against some real tough horses his last two.”
On having the red-hot Manny Franco aboard: “Manny has been riding unbelievable. I’m very happy for him. We’ve always used him a lot and he’s doing really well.”
On a potential start in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational on January 28 at Gulfstream Park: “We’ll have to see how he comes out of the race. It is a little quick back, but I wouldn’t rule out anything. We’re on the AE list.”
Manny Franco, winning jockey aboard Law Professor (No. 7): “When I got to the paddock, Rob [Atras] told me to get the horse involved in the race because of the way he thinks the horse runs better. He broke so sharp, and the horse outside [No. 10, Thomas Shelby] cleared me. I was able to stalk three-wide and that was it. He was dragging me the whole way.
“I didn’t want to move too soon. I knew I had a lot of horse under me. I just wanted to wait a little longer. The horse went on with it. I knew they would have to run fast to pass me. I knew how much horse I had.
“I don’t think he did much today. He was dragging me. I think he’ll be okay if they want to run him there [in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup on January 28 at Gulfstream Park].”
On his recent string of success: “I can’t believe it. I’m just grateful to be a part of these winning horses. Thank you to my agent [John Panagot]. He’s been doing a great job and he’s a part of it.”
Jeremy Laprida, aboard runner-up Naval Aviator (No. 5): “He broke a little slow at the start, but he got good position and finished up strong. He had a lot of class today. Longer distances are good for him. Maybe next time.”
Winning margin: 7 1/2 lengths
Final time (nine furlongs): 1:51.00
Fractions: 23.77, 47.79, 1:12.56, 1:37.88
Full order of finish: 7-5-10-9-3-6-2-4-1-11
