Rich Strike Works Easy 5 Furlongs in 1:02.60

RED TR-Racing’s Rich Strike was one of the first horses on the main track Tuesday morning and proceeded to work 5 furlongs in 1:02.60 with Gabriel Lagunes aboard for trainer Eric Reed.

“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 said. “He’s a couple days ahead of schedule, so I may have to come back with a little three-eighths (next week).”

Winner of this spring’s Kentucky Derby (G1) Presented by Woodford Reserve, Rich Strike is expected to start in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) here on Nov. 5.

Rich Strike’s opening quarter-mile was :26.20, and he galloped out 6 furlongs in 1:15.60 and pulled up at the five-eighths pole.

“Slow and steady,” Reed said. “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.”