Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) Rich Strike back to work tab May 21 at Churchill Downsthe four-way quick meter lasted: 47 1/5 in his first move since his upset 80-1 win in the first leg of the Triple Crown.
Eric Reed trains his son Keen Ice who is skipping Preakness Stocks on Saturday (G1) and is targeting Belmont Shares on June 11 presented by NYRA Bets (G1) at Belmont Park for RED-TR Racing by owner Rick Dawson.
Rich Strike crossed with gymnast Gabe Lagunes in the saddle over a quarter mile opening: 22 4/5 and galloped up 5 distances in 1:00 3/5.
“Skipping Preakness remains one of the hardest decisions I have had to make as a coach,” says Reed, who stands with owner Dawson for the job. “I just don’t think he’ll be mentally ready to go up against those horses again.”
Reed initially reported Rich Strike would be shipping to Belmont next week, but he will now keep the Derby winner at Barn 17 in Churchill until May 31. Rich Strike is expected to be back in action. on May 30.
“He’s doing great here, I just don’t want to change anything yet,” Reed said. “He’ll have eight or nine days in Belmont to gallop and get used to the surface.”
Jockey Sonny Leon, who rode Rich Strike to win the Derby, will have the call back in Belmont
Kentucky Derby Rich Strike 4F winner: 47.20. pic.twitter.com/I4glPEFV9M
– Kevin Kerstein (@HorseRacingKK) May 21, 2022
