2022 Kentucky Derby Field - Rich Strike
Last Updated: 05/04/2022 at 6:39 PM ET
Rich Strike the first also-eligible horse in the field on Saturday. If any horse is scratched between the post position draw on May 2 and 9:00 am May 6, then Rich Strike will become part of the field. Sonny Leon will ride the Eric Reed trained thoroughbred. Rich Strike is currently 30-1 and has until Friday morning to become eligible to “run for the roses.”
Rich Strike has one win and three thirds in seven career starts with earnings of $111,289. The closer will start on the outside post position if a horse is scratched by Friday morning. Rich Strike, if eligible on Friday, will likely become the longshot of the field. Last September, Rich Strike won his only race in a maiden claim event that was coincidentally at Churchill Downs.
Each of Rich Strike’s three races during 2022 have been stakes events and the thoroughbred finished third twice and fourth once. The distance of 1 ¼ miles should not have a negative effect on Rich Strike. However, the talent that the colt will face on Saturday will be his biggest problem.
Trainer Sonny Leon will have his first horse in the Kentucky Derby if Rich Strike becomes eligible, while jockey Reed will also be appearing in his first Derby. The odds will be tremendously against Rich Strike if the thoroughbred becomes eligible and races on Saturday and little is expected from the colt.
