Barbara Livingston
Rich Strike trains prior to the Belmont Stakes. After Monday's work, he will have two more drills at Churchill before shipping to Saratoga.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Rich Strike was back on the scene of his epic Kentucky Derby victory, breezing five furlongs in 1:01 early Monday over a sloppy track at Churchill Downs as the colt continues preparations for his next start, in the Aug. 27 Travers at Saratoga.
Regular exercise rider Gabriel Retana was aboard Rich Strike in the solo work. The Keen Ice colt galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.
“Oh man, he went great,” trainer Eric Reed said shortly afterward. “Gabe said he was as good as ever and wanted more. Terrific work.”