Kentucky Derby Longshot Hero Rich Strike to Head to Bill Mott

[Wandering Eyes]

Rich Strike (Keen Ice), who upset the GI Kentucky Derby at 80-1 in 2022, is set to join trainer Bill Mott, according to owner Rick Dawson. Rich Strike was last seen finishing fifth for his former trainer Eric Reed in the 2023 running of the GII Alysheba S. at Churchill Downs.

“Richie visited Rood & Riddle this morning for his final ultrasound test,” Dawson said in a Facebook post on Thursday. “All went as good as could be expected & better than expectations on several issues – our plan is to move him to HofF Trainer Bill Mott in a few days. Richie's training will be stepped up slowly & forwardly over the next month or two. Should he continue to stay sound after more training is implemented we will look for a first race that fits him coming back from over a year off the track.”

Withdrawn by Dawson from last year's Keeneland November Sale, Rich Strike subsequently underwent stem cell treatments — under the advice of Dr. Larry Bramlage — aimed at healing issues with his suspensory ligaments in his two front legs.

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