Janet Garaguso Photo

G2 Intercontinental presented by MTV Solutions Quotes

by NYRA Press Ofiice

Michael Trombetta, winning trainer of Future Is Now (No. 5, $22.80): "This filly has learned to sit off of horses and run when she's needed. It's really changed things for her. In the last couple of races it's all really come together for her. This was great. I mean, this is over the top for us. We came in here with expectations just to run well. But to win it is extraordinary.

"I was concerned when I saw the weather roll in before the race. I thought the storm would really tear up the place and be a problem. But she handled it [the course] good. The little bit of water didn't hurt her.

"Being back with the girls helps. We used that race at Laurel [win in The Very One for fillies] to set her up real good for this. I was a little concerned with the three weeks turnaround, but it worked out good."

On the tight finish at the wire with Roses for Debra closing fast: "I thought we had it, but it wasn't definite. Those things are always a little scary.

"She just keeps getting better. She's going the right way. She's just evolving into a top tier horse. I hope she'll be back for a race at Saratoga this summer, but I don't have anything in mind. I haven't gotten that far yet. We'll certainly see how she comes back and we'll take it from there. Winning a stake at Saratoga is really cool. What a great way to start.

"She doesn't need to take her track with her and that's another good thing about this filly. She's got a great demeanor. She never gets upset about anything and that really helps.“

Paco Lopez, winning jockey aboard Future Is Now (No. 5): “I was there, I wait, wait. [I went] a little couple jumps early and then she responded so very well. And she maintained it all the way straight to the wire.”

About being more forward than when winning the The Very One on May 17 at Pimlico Race Course: “Well the plan was for the same thing as last time. But when nobody was making the lead, I was second. That worked today.

“This ground, she is good. The filly always can handle it. She is a humble filly, she can compete from behind but she sent it today. The last time I ride in Maryland, I covered the horse in behind, she was beautiful. Today, I wanted the same thing but when nobody made the lead and she breaks that fast, and no one takes it, I take it.”

About holding off Roses for Debra: “I know that filly, she can finish very well and she was the heavy favorite.”

Christophe Clement, trainer of runner-up Roses for Debra (No. 6) and fourth-place Gal in a Rush (No. 8): “They both ran very well. [Roses for Debra] ran a credible race to just miss the win. Full credit to the winner, who ran a very good race.”

Luis Saez, rider of third-place finisher Kaufymaker (No. 2): “She ran really good; she just got beat by some good horses. She broke pretty sharp and was pretty comfortable. Just a tough beat.”

Winning margin: head

Final time (5 1/2-furlongs, Mellon turf): 1:01.35

Fractions: 21.76, 44.24, 55.47

Order of finish: 5-6-2-8-1-9-4-7-3