RED-TR Racing’s GI Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike (Keen Ice) dazzled fans on Monday at Churchill Downs with a move that spanned five times: 59 mid-Race 5-6 in his last major preparation towards GI Belmont Stakes S .1.5 million dollars on June 11.
With rider Gabe Lagunes in the saddle, Rich Strike trimmed the eight-mile section of: 11.80, :23.20 and :34.80, according to John Robertson, Churchill Downs watches. The upset 80-1 winner of the Derby galloped 6 stretches in 1:12 and completed 7 stretches in 1:26.
Trainer Eric Reed watched the work from behind so he could watch his precious pony gallop and watch him off the track.
“He went away really well and did exactly what we wanted him to do,” Reed said. “The track was a bit faster because it was afternoon but that’s exactly what we wanted to do. Yesterday he started to relax in the morning. After a while away from the races, that’s what we’ve seen in him. There is no doubt about his confidence. We’ve seen him on the pitch on more playful mornings. It’s like he knows what he did in the Derby. I still don’t think we’ve seen the best of him. ”
Rich Strike is scheduled to depart early Tuesday morning to compete at the 1/2-mile Belmont, the third jewel in the racing’s Triple Crown. Reed and owner Rick Dawson chose to skip the second leg, the $1.5 million GI Preakness S., to give Rich Strike more time between matches. The $30,000 claimant has been based at Churchill Downs’ Barn 17 for almost two weeks.
“We will go on for a year with no regrets,” said Reed. “We did what was best for Ritchie and I’m confident we made the right decision.”
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This story was posted in Top News and tagged Belmont, Churchill Downs, Eric Reed, Preakness, Rich Strike.
