Click here for a replay of the race and the post-race interview with winning connections.

Cherie DeVaux (winning trainer of Vahva)

On winning her first stakes race at Keeneland: 

“I don’t know if there are words to really describe that. Our team has really worked hard with all of our horses, especially this filly, and it’s just so rewarding. (Jockey) Johnny (Velazquez) and I have had great success this year in stakes races, and I told him, ‘There’s one thing we haven’t done yet, and that’s come into the infield (at Keeneland) for a trophy presentation,’ so I’m elated that he got that done. It’s beautiful (out here).” 

On Vahva’s determination to run down pacesetter Alva Starr: 

“She’s been a gritty filly throughout her career but really had to run that filly down. I’m just really proud of her.”

John Velazquez (winning rider)

“We took the same approach (as in her win in the Aug. 25 Charles Town Oaks-G3, also 7 furlongs but around two turns). She came running and we tried to get a good position. Obviously we knew the speed horse (runner-up Alva Starr) was going to be really tough to beat. (Trainer) Cherie (DeVaux) has done a great job with the horse and gave me the opportunity to stay with her. Everything worked out good. I got close to the heels of the horse in front (Alva Starr), held my position and when I pulled her out she responded. That’s all you can ask of the horses. She was there for me, and she did it all.”

Brett Brinkman (trainer of runner-up Alva Starr)

“We kind of knew we were over the barrel a little bit having never run seven-eighths before. Kudos to (winning trainer) Cherie DeVaux. She routed her filly to Charles Town and that was a good move. I think that made the difference.”

On added distance being a factor

“We knew we were up against a new factor (first time beyond 6 furlongs). I am not scared to run her seven-eighths (again). She is a sprinter.”

“We will probably take her home (to Fair Grounds in New Orleans) and piddle around with her, give her some time off and regroup.”

Tyler Gaffalione (rider of Alva Starr)

“Everything went to plan. She broke and put herself right where we needed to be. She fired for me, she just got tired late.”

Brad Cox (trainer of third-place finisher Dazzling Blue)

“She ran well and had a little bit of a wide trip, but I don’t think it had anything to do with the outcome. I was happy. Another graded stakes placing. She is a nice filly with a big pedigree. We’ll regroup and the plan is to race her next year.”

Florent Geroux (rider of Dazzling Blue)

“I sat right off the speed. I got excited a little bit when it looked like she was moving forward. She kind of stayed where she was. Got beat pretty easy by the first two but held on pretty good to secure the third place. The track is a little bit on the slow side today, but I think it was a good race. The first two especially look like very nice fillies.”