Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike breezes between races at Churchill Downs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Monday, Could 30, 2022) – RED-TR Racing’s Kentucky Derby (Grade I) winner Wealthy Strike dazzled followers Monday at Churchill Downs with a five-furlong transfer in :59 between Races 5-6 in his ultimate main preparation towards the $1.5 million Belmont Stakes (GI) on June 11.

With rider Gabe Lagunes within the saddle, Wealthy Strike clipped off eighth-mile fractions of :11.80, :23.20 and :34.80, based on Churchill Downs clocker John Robertson. The 80-1 upset winner of the $3 million Kentucky Derby introduced by Woodford Reserve galloped out six furlongs in 1:12 and accomplished seven furlongs in 1:26.

Coach Eric Reed watched the work from the bottom so he might watch his prized colt gallop out and supervise him coming off the monitor.

“He acquired away actual nicely and labored precisely like we wished him to do,” Reed stated. “The monitor was a little bit faster because it was within the afternoon however it was precisely what we wished to do. Yesterday he was beginning to chill out within the morning. After a while away from the races that’s type of what we’ve seen from him. There’s little question about his confidence. We’ve seen him come off the monitor in mornings extra playful. It’s like he is aware of what he did within the Derby. I nonetheless don’t assume we’ve seen the very best of him.”

Wealthy Strike is scheduled to depart early Tuesday morning to compete within the 1 ½-mile Belmont Stakes, the third jewel of racing’s Triple Crown. Reed and proprietor Rick Dawson opted to skip the second leg, the $1.5 million Preakness, to present Wealthy Strike extra time between begins. The previous $30,000 claimer has been based mostly at Churchill Downs’ Barn 17 for almost two weeks.

“We’re happening with the yr with no regrets,” Reed stated. “We did what was greatest for Ritchie and I’m assured we made the suitable determination.”

Relying on the outcome within the Belmont, Wealthy Strike might return to Churchill Downs later this spring.

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