Ice Box Skips Preakness
Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito announced Wednesday afternoon that Robert V. LaPenta’s Ice Box, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, will skip the May 15 Preakness and await a possible start in the 142nd running of the Grade 1, $1 million Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 5.
“After talking to Mr. LaPenta, we concurred Ice Box’s race was tremendous, but we also knew that it was a tough race,” Zito said in a statement regarding the Grade 1 Florida Derby winner. “We feel we are better suited to wait and pass the Preakness and possibly go on to the Belmont, and hopefully things work out.”
Zito said a Preakness decision for Jackson Bend, who was 12th in the Derby, would be forthcoming.
“Also, Jackson Bend, we have more evaluation to do, and will make a decision for the Preakness on Monday on his status as well,” said Zito of the colt, who is owned by LaPenta and Fred Brei.