Rich Strike He may be known in some circles as “The People’s Horse,” but when it comes to his odds for the big Kentucky races, he’s still the Rodney Dangerfield of the horse racing team.
After winning the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) with shocking odds of 80-1, about six months later, the son of Keen Ice Once again the odds are set, this time for the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on November 5 in Keeneland.
Probably not 80-1. Where are those days now? However, in a field of eight, topped by undefeated Flight route at 3-5, Rich Strike is pegged at 20-1, the seventh largest price in the morning line. Only Happy Saver who have not won a classified stake in more than two years, is higher at 30-1.
Coach Eric Reed said: “He has to earn everything he gets. “Until he wins again, this will happen. It is so.
“The odds really don’t determine anything,” he added. “We found that out during the Derby.”
Since stunning the racing world in Triple Crown’s opening match by racing from 18th to his second — and most recent — career victory, the 3-year-old of RED TR-Racing was undefeated in three starts. He won the Preakness Stakes (G1), then placed sixth in the Belmont bets presented by NYRA Bets (G1) before moving on to two improvement attempts.
He’s fourth in Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1) after Classic 5-1 second pick Epicenter , though he only missed second with just his nose and neck on that 1/4 mile test. Then he seemed headed for victory in the October 1 Lukas Classic Stakes (G2) match extension at Churchill Downs just to have Hot Rod Charlie (15-1 in Classics) returns to dominate by head.
“He’s doing well in the race and he couldn’t have looked better than he was,” Reed said of Rich Strike’s chances in the 10-furlong Classic. “He’s matured a lot. Every time we run him he goes one step further and hopefully he’ll do it again.”
Suffice it to say that Rich Strike has a much more loyal following of racing fans than bettors. His story is certainly fascinating. Bred by Calumet Farm from a Smart Strike Gold Strike mare, he was claimed by his owner and Reed, who had never competed in the Kentucky Derby, for $30,000 from his first win at the age of 2. Prior to his aggressive display on the first Saturday of May, Reed had not acquired a classified share since 2009.
The chestnut pony didn’t even have a spot in the Race for the Roses until a last-minute scratch opened the door for him to enter the race moments before the entries. contest ended.
And, for his supporters in the spring, who could forget a horse that rewarded them $163.60 for every $2 they bet on him in the Kentucky Derby?
“It’s been a great ride and hopefully it will continue next year,” Reed said.
