Friday, July 30, 2010

It is official, Rachel to try 10 Panels in the Aug 29th, Personal Ensign

Jess Jackson co owner of the four year old Rachel Alexandra has confirmed that the 2009 Horse of the Year and winner of the prestegious Woodward Stakes at Saratoga Race Course will contest the 1 1/4 mile Personal Ensign.

Jackson said in a press release that: "Rachel feels very much at home amoung the great Saratoga fans, its a historic race, named after a great champion. The timing is right for Rachel. She's been coming back into her stride and this will help her prepare for the rest of her campaign and the Breeders' Cup later this year."

Rachel will be making her first start at 1 1/4 miles in the Personal Ensign. The longest race Rachel Alexandra most recently competed in was the 1 3/16 mile BlackBerry Preakness Stakes, which she won by 1 length. She will be returning to the scene of her season ending triumph over older males in the Woodward Stakes last September.

*As reported by Thoroughbredtimes*

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Rachel has Rolled into Monmouth Park

Following an early morning departure from Saratoga, Rachel Alexandra arrived by van at around 9 a.m. Tuesday at Monmouth Park, where she is to run in Saturday's $400,000 Lady's Secret Stakes.
Trainer Steve Asmussen, who was at Saratoga Tuesday, said he is following the "same routine" he used last summer when Rachel Alexandra won the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth. She had her final workout at Saratoga before shipping to Monmouth. On Monday, Rachel Alexandra breezed four furlongs in 49.60 seconds over the Oklahoma training track.
"She left on Tuesday after her work on Monday, it worked out for her really well," said Asmussen, who plans to leave for Monmouth following Friday's opening-day card at the Spa.
Rachel Alexandra was accompanied by assistant trainer Scott Blasi, who said the reigning Horse of the Year shipped in fine.
Asmussen said Rachel Alexandra would school in the Monmouth Park paddock sometime during Friday's races.
Post positions for the Lady's Secret will be drawn on Wednesday. A field of five or six is expected.