Champion horse Rich Strike prepares for the Belmont Stakes, aiming to gain further recognition and prestige
Rich Strike Aims for Belmont Stakes Victory Despite Longer Distance Challenges
Rich Strike, the unexpected winner of the Kentucky Derby, is gearing up for the Belmont Stakes on June 11, 2022. The Belmont, known as the "Test of the Champion," presents a unique challenge for the late-closing runner due to its extended distance of 1-1/2 miles.
Closers like Rich Strike, who rely on a late rally after trailing in the early parts of the race, face challenges in the Belmont. Historically, the race tends to favour horses that can maintain strong, sustained speed throughout rather than just finish fast.
The longer distance of the Belmont Stakes tests a horse's stamina more profoundly than the Kentucky Derby. For Rich Strike, this means overcoming stamina demands and navigating a more tactical pace scenario that may not suit his style as well.
Trainer Eric Reed has not altered anything in prepping Rich Strike for the Belmont. He emphasized the importance of Rich Strike using himself properly during the first mile and a quarter of the race, and then being in a good position to make a move at the end.
Reed expressed relief after Rich Strike's workout at Churchill Downs on Monday, where the horse completed a five-furlong workout in :59, shaving six-tenths off his previous workout. Despite his impressive performance in the Derby, Rich Strike is unlikely to have 80-1 odds in the Belmont Stakes, unlike in the Kentucky Derby.
The Belmont Stakes field will not be set until a week before the race, and the post position will be determined then. Wood Memorial winner Mo Donegal and Preakness third-place finisher Creative Minister are expected to enter the race, but Epicenter and Preakness winner Early Voting will not run.
Rich Strike's owners, Eric Reed and Rick Dawson, have decided to bypass the Preakness Stakes. Rich Strike and his team will depart from Louisville for Belmont Park on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.
Eric Reed's horses typically race at smaller tracks, but he wants Rich Strike to continue earning respect through his performances. Despite the challenges posed by the Belmont's distance and racing trends, Rich Strike's late rally ability offers a compelling factor in assessing his chances. However, endurance and race dynamics at Belmont usually pose challenges for such runners.
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