Rich Strike has 1st work since Travers, eyes Lukas Classic

Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, most recently fourth in the Aug. 27 Travers (G1) at Saratoga, got back to work on Tuesday with an easy five-furlong breeze. 

At his home base of Mercury Equine Center in Kentucky, the son of Keen Ice cruised the distance in 1:02.4 for trainer Eric Reed.

"It was a very good work, we were very pleased," Reed told Horse Racing Nation. "Just let him stretch his legs and he was very happy. His next breeze will most likely be at Churchill Downs in nine or 10 days."

Last week, Reed told Daily Racing Form's Marty McGee that Rich Strike's next start could come in the $500,000 Lukas Classic (G2) going 1 1/8 miles at Churchill Downs on Oct. 1. Then if all goes well, a decision would be made to either run in the Breeders' Cup or await the $750,000 Clark (G1) at Churchill Downs on Nov. 25.

After Tuesday's breeze, Reed reiterated the Lukas was likely for Rich Strike. It would be the colt's first time running against older horses. 

"(Owner) Rick (Dawson) and I will make the final decision after his next work, but that may be the spot," Reed said. "It's not a very easy spot to say the least, but we don't have many races in between either the Breeders' Cup or Clark to choose from. It's on a track he likes without shipping."

One potential rival known to be targeting the Lukas Classic is Grade 1 winner Hot Rod Charlie for trainer Doug O'Neill. 

In the Lukas Classic, Rich Strike would be making his first start at Churchill Downs since scoring at 80-1 in the Kentucky Derby. It was the second-biggest upset in 148 runnings of the 1 1/4-mile classic. 

Rich Strike skipped the Preakness and then ran sixth in the Belmont Stakes. In the Travers, won by Epicenter by 5 1/4 lengths, Rich Strike was beaten just a nose and a neck for second in a three-way photo finish.