Racing's newest millionaire, Hard Not to Like, the track record-setting winner of the Grade 1, $500,000 Diana on Saturday, came out of the race in good order, according to trainer Christophe Clement.
"She came out of the race in good shape," said Clement. "She is clean-legged. She walked for 30 minutes this morning and jogged on the road. We are very happy with everything. She came out in very good order. We always thought she was a good filly and everything worked out for us. She got an amazing ride from John Velazquez."
The 6-year-old mare finished the race with a flourish, running her last eighth of a mile in 11.24 seconds, Clement said. She broke the Mellon turf course record for 1 1/8 miles, hitting the wire in 1:45.22.
"They went fast from the beginning. There was not one part in the race where they went slow. They went fast from the beginning to the end," Clement added. "She has won two Grade 1's now. We are very proud of her. I am delighted that Mr. [Peter] Fluor chose us to train her this year. Let's try to do it again."
Hard Not to Like is owned by Speedway Stable LLC. She increased her earnings to $1.26 million and has won eight races from 22 lifetime starts. Plans for her next race have yet to be decided, Clement added.
Source: NYRA Communications
