Saratoga video: Morning Report with Reed, Von Hemel, Rodriguez

Horse Racing Nation's Andrew Capone is hitting the backside this summer to talk to connections at Saratoga.

In the latest Morning Report, he hits the backside to talk to trainers Eric Reed, Kelly Von Hemel and Rudy Rodriguez.

Reed, trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, explains why he skipped Preakness to go to the Belmont Stakes and then the Travers. He also discusses what he learned about Rich Strike in the Belmont and why he worked Rich Strike at Churchill Downs before coming to Saratoga.

Von Hemel, trainer of Travers long shot Ain’t Life Grand, explains why the decision was made to come to the Travers and how the Iowa Derby set him up for the race. He also talks about why they came early to Saratoga and how the colt is working on the surface.

Rodriguez trains Bella Sofia, who was 2-for-2 this year before finishing third in the Honorable Miss (G2) last out. He describes how she has been training since that last race. He also said Luis Saez will be the jockey and will take her to the front.