Rice has options with Wicked Trick and Nicodemus

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – With Wicked Trick and Nicodemus coming off terrific efforts over the weekend, trainer Linda Rice has decisions to make on where the two older stakes-caliber performers will run next.

On Sunday, Wicked Trick won for the sixth consecutive time, dominating a one-mile starter-allowance race by 9 1/4 lengths while earning a career-best 102 Beyer Speed Figure. That result came a day after Nicodemus lost the Grade 3, $150,000 Toboggan Stakes by a nose to Mind Control.

Rice said she didn’t have any regrets not running Wicked Trick in the Toboggan as she had mentioned was possible coming out of his previous win on Dec 28.

“I like to take the path of least resistance,” Rice said. “And Nicodemus almost got it done.”

Rice is likely to target stakes races for Wicked Trick and Nicodemus. Both are likely to be nominated to the Grade 3, $250,000 General George at Laurel Park on Feb. 15. However, both could just stay in New York and point to races on the March 7 Aqueduct card. Wicked Trick would be a candidate for the Grade 3, $200,000 Tom Fool Handicap at six furlongs while Nicodemus could point to the $125,000 Stymie Stakes going a one-turn mile.

Contemplating the General George for Nicodemus, Rice said: “I think he’s going to ship well and run well down there. I’d like to go to the General George with him. It just depends. We may give him more time and stay here in New York. I like to stay home when I can.”

While Rice said the General George “is doable” for Wicked Trick, she added, “He is running so well at Aqueduct.”

Rice also noted Wicked Trick has run three times in 38 days.

Wicked Trick’s win streak began last July in a maiden $20,000 claimer at Saratoga. In August, he won a $16,000 claimer at Saratoga and was claimed by Rice from Michelle Nevin.