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2011 Breeders' Cup World Championships Saturday Part 1

By , About.com Guide

10 of 10

Hansen with his flowers
Hansen with his flowers

Hansen circles with his flowers after the 2011 Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs

© Cindy Pierson Dulay
Winning trainer Mike Maker said, "He’s a natural. Obviously his performance speaks for itself. That’s the way he wants to run and we weren’t going to change a thing. It’s just that natural ability. Obviously he’s got a lot of speed and he’s always shown it. He’s also got a lot of fight; a bunch of good characteristics. We pointed to the Breeders’ Cup before he ever ran. I only told that to the owners, and they’re as crazy as I am."

Jockey Ramon Dominguez added, "He ran superb for me. Going into the first turn, he was a little aggressive. That made me a little concerned. When we got to the backside, he switched to his right (lead) and he came back to me and relaxed beautiful. I got pressed pretty early, around the 3/8 pole, but he continued coming for me. I'm very pleased. He’s special."

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