Reigning GI Kentucky Derby hero Rich Strike (Keen Ice) tuned up for his appearance in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic Nov. 5 with a five-furlong drill over the Keeneland main track early Tuesday morning.
With Gabriel Lagunes in the irons for trainer Eric Reed, the chestnut broke off in :26.20 and completed his work in 1:02.60 before galloping out three-quarters of a mile in 1:15.60.
“Slow and steady,” Reed said of Rich Strike, a latest near-miss second to Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow) in the GII Lukas Classic at Churchill Downs Oct. 1. “I don't want to get him too sharp too soon. I got what I wanted this morning, and he'll get back to work Thursday with a jog or light gallop. I just have to keep him on the ground for the next 11-12 days.
“I was going to work Wednesday, but with rain in the forecast there was a chance that if I did not work today, I might not be able to go until maybe Friday,” Reed added. “He's a couple days ahead of schedule, so I may have to come back with a little three-eighths [next week].”
👑 GI @KentuckyDerby winner RICH STRIKE comes by on @keenelandracing's main track in his final work ahead of his start in the GI Longines @BreedersCup Classic! #BC22 pic.twitter.com/4zM17e2f1Q
— TDN (@theTDN) October 25, 2022
Edgeway Works For Sadler, Flightline Gallops
It was another light piece of work for 'TDN Rising Star' Flightline (Tapit) Tuesday, as the untested 4-year-old colt galloped a mile and a quarter over the Keeneland main track shortly after the track opened, but stablemate Edgeway (Competitive Edge) was asked for something a bit more, as she drilled a half-mile in :46 flat following the renovation break. It was the fastest of 18 moves at the distance.
The Hronis Racing colorbearer, who will look to improve on her runner-up effort to Ce Ce (Elusive Quality) in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, was put through her paces by Juan Leyva and went in fractions of :23.40 and :34.20 before pulling up five furlongs in :58.60.
“She went real nice this morning and got over the track well,” said Leyva, himself a winner of the Filly & Mare Sprint when defeating the Sadler-trained Switch (Quiet American) aboard 20-1 Musical Romance (Concorde's Tune) back in 2011. “The track was nice and tight. She will probably work again Monday.”
Sprint Rivals Sharpen Up
Aloha West (Hard Spun) and Jackie's Warrior (Maclean's Music), first and sixth, respectively, in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Sprint at Del Mar, tuned up for their rematch with works at Keeneland Tuesday morning.
Last seen narrowly prevailing in the July 2 Kelly's Landing S. at Churchill, Maryland-bred Aloha West went a sharp five-eighths of a mile in a bullet :58.60 (1/6) and galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.40. A couple of hours earlier, Jackie's Warrior worked inside of his stablemate County Final (Oxbow) and went five furlongs in :58.60 in fractional times of :24, :35.60 and :46.60 before pulling up six furlongs in a strong 1:12 flat.
💨 JACKIE'S WARRIOR (inside), working in company with County Final, puts in his final work ahead of the GI @BreedersCup Sprint! #BC22 pic.twitter.com/DTgsEwJ679
— TDN (@theTDN) October 25, 2022
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