Wicked Trick appears okay after colic scare

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Wicked Trick, who was scratched from Saturday’s Grade 3, $250,000 General George Stakes after showing signs of colic, was back at his Belmont Park barn Sunday and could return to the races in early March.

Linda Rice, the trainer and part-owner of Wicked Trick, said the gelding showed signs of colic shortly after he arrived at Laurel following a van ride from Belmont on Saturday morning.

“We treated him in Maryland for colic, we shipped him back last night and he hasn’t shown any ill effects this morning,” Rice said Sunday.

Rice said Wicked Trick could potentially be ready for a race at Aqueduct on March 7; either the Grade 3, $200,000 Tom Fool Handicap at six furlongs or the $125,000 Stymie going a mile.

“We got enough time to make it back provided it doesn’t happen again,” said Rice, who also has Nicodemus potentially for the Stymie.

Wicked Trick has won six consecutive races including all four starts since Rice claimed him for $16,000 last August.

As it turned out, missing the General George may have been a blessing. Firenze Fire was a dominant winner of the race, drawing off to a four-length victory over longshot Threes Over Deuces.

Firenze Fire, who has now won stakes at age 2, 3, 4, and 5, ran seven furlongs in 1:22.38 and earned a 101 Beyer Speed Figure for the General George performance and will point to the Grade 1 Carter at Aqueduct on April 4, trainer Jason Servis.