Team Valor buys 3-year-old Riker

A majority interest in Riker, who won the Grey Stakes at Woodbine last year and is expected to win the Sovereign Award as Canada’s top 2-year-old male of 2015, has been purchased by Team Valor International and owner Gary Barber, Team Valor announced on Monday.

Riker will be transferred to trainer Mark Casse. He had been trained by Nick Gonzalez.

According to Team Valor, current owners Carlo and Lou Tucci will retain a 25 percent interest in Riker.

Riker has worked twice this winter at Gulfstream Park after getting a freshening following the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, in which he finished sixth.

Riker, a colt by Include, won four times in five starts last year, his lone loss coming in the Breeders’ Cup. Prior to the Grey Stakes, Riker won both the Colin and Swynford stakes at Woodbine.