Reed Leaning Toward BC Classic for Rich Strike

After a controversial runner-up finish in the Oct. 2 Lukas Classic Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs which handed jockey Sonny Leon a 15-day suspension for interference, the team behind Rich Strike  are pressing forward with eyes on a race in November.

Currently among about a dozen prospects for the Nov. 5 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), should the 3-year-old son of Keen Ice   run there, he would face the unbeaten Flightline , Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1) victor Epicenter , and Woodward Stakes (G1) winner Life Is Good  —to name a few.

However, trainer Eric Reed says that he feels as if the colt is exactly where he needs to be to take on the competition.

"He came out of the race really good, and he's extra sharp," Reed said. "I think he's more battle-tested now more than ever so to speak so I'm pretty happy with how he's doing... Especially with him showing speed so early on. That's what we've waited all year for him to do.

"I think that's just him growing in confidence and maturing. He's going to need to have some early speed for the rest of his career, so I'm tickled to see that."

If the colt does not run in the Breeders' Cup he will likely be aimed towards a start at Churchill Downs in the Nov. 25 Clark Stakes Presented by Norton Healthcare (G1), although the decision will not be made for another week and a half before pre-entries are made for the Breeders' Cup. Either way, Reed says that Leon will retain the mount.

"We still have the Breeders' Cup circled, and the decision will be made on the 24th whether to pre-enter or not. Right now, I'm going to work him Saturday," Reed said. "We're on a work schedule to make the Breeders' Cup and if we change our mind along the way then we will, but I think for now that's what we're doing.

"(The Clark Stakes) would be the second race that's on tap for him... We have not made a definite decision, but he's being trained as if we're running in the Classic and it leans that way right now."

Last out in the Lukas Classic, the colt finished a head behind Hot Rod Charlie  and Tyler Gaffalione after a battle in the heated stretch battle, with the colts making contact down the stretch. Aggressive riding tactics resulted in a suspension for Leon, and after Rich Strike's connections contested the race, a regulatory investigation was launched into whether Hot Rod Charlie could have worn prohibited horseshoes based on images of the race, including multiple photos taken by Eclipse Sportswire.

Doug O'Neill, who trains Hot Rod Charlie, made an Oct. 4 announcement on social media, saying, in part: "None of the horses in our stable wear toe grabs and have not for many years. ... I am 100% behind the science and studies that show toe grabs heighten the risk of limb injury."

In Kentucky, a paddock blacksmith is responsible for ensuring that horseshoes worn by race participants are compliant with regulations.

The protest with regulators over the incident has yet to be resolved. Earlier this month, a spokesperson from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission said the regulator was "investigating the matter as they do any potential violation that is brought to their attention." Later, another KHRC spokesperson added that the KHRC was "working collaboratively with (the Horseracing Safety and Integrity Authority) and in accordance with their racetrack safety regulations that took effect in July of 2022." 

"We were notified that we should hear something Thursday or Friday from the attorney with HISA. That's all we've heard since the whole thing started," Reed said.