RED TR-Racing's 2022 GI Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike (Keen Ice) posted his second work back off an extended layoff, breezing over Saratoga Race Course's Oklahoma training track Friday morning. Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said that he caught Keen Ice–with Neil Poznansky in the irons–covering three furlongs solo in :38 (10/16).
Rich Strike stepped onto the fast track from the first turn in the company of a pony immediately after the second renovation break and was brought up to the top of the stretch to stand watch for a short time before commencing his work. He kept to task to complete the exercise willingly and galloped out well through the first turn.
“He went good,” said Mott. “We're just getting him started again and back to the work tab.”
Rich Strike has not raced since finishing fifth in the GII Alysheba Stakes last May at Churchill Downs when trained by Eric Reed. He was subsequently announced as retired late last year by owner Rick Dawson and was entered in the Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale as a stallion prospect, but was withdrawn and returned to training this year with Mott after receiving treatment for a suspensory ligament issue.
The chestnut is winless in six starts since his shocking 80-1 upset in the Kentucky Derby.
Bred by Calumet Farm, Rich Strike owns a 14-2-1-3 record with $2,526,809 in earnings.
Work of the Day from #Saratoga—Rich Strike worked 3 Furlongs in 38.00 on July 19th, 2024, for trainer Bill Mott. pic.twitter.com/3JX4vWnlOj
— XBTV (@WatchXBTV) July 19, 2024
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