CHURCHILL DOWNS, 2008-11-29, Race 9

[Tangospell1]

Wow - I had never seen this race before. If I understand corectly from others, Sara louise beat RA in the Pocahontas because RA got bottled up and couldn't get around anyone (different jcokey too). RA is amazing. I just hope they didn't overrace her this year - her health is more important than anything else - IMO.

[lengua92]

I guess that you just realize when you see greatness. Since that day I realized she was something special

[lengua92]

BTW, I mentioned I realized she was something special. Never imagined she would turned on to be the greatest filly of all time

[jermocide22]

Rachel is the best horse I've seen in a long, long time. Reminds me of Inside Information, but much better

[jhordanian]

This was the race when Rachel made the definitive turn towards greatness. There was a moment at the top of the stretch when Rachel was being challenged by Sara Louise, who had just beaten Rachel a month earlier. Calvin Borel looked over his shoulder and saw Sara Louise, and it was apparent by his quick response, that he knew the real running was about to start. However, unlike a month earlier, Rachel outkicked the very good Sara Louise in the stretch, and she hasnt looked back since.

[lengua92]

Absolutely. I think that at this point she started to understand what was all about

[ThePixiePoet]

Perhaps she "made a turn toward greatness" here because this is the first time Calvin Borel was her jockey (she changed jockeys mid November 2008). She used to be ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr before Calvin came along, and Hernandez seemed to whip her more than Calvin. Calvin just lets her do her thing. Interestingly, the jockey for Sara Louise is the regular jockey for Curlin, and the regular jockey that Asmussen (RA's current trainer) likes to use.

[jhordanian]

Both points are excellent points. Borel loves her and knows her very, very well. And yes, Rachel was running in the Pocahontas, which she lost to Sara Louise, on only 2 weeks break after being on the sidelines for a while.

[pleasantcolony]

She's the real deal! You can tell she loves her job! Excellent filly! One of the best I've seen!

[ConnieAnn1]

Rachell is a Doll- Rachel A,,She loves Calvin

[lengua92]

I remember rooting for Dream Empress in this race, but i also remeber that i was absolutely stunned by that enourmous bay filly named Rachel Alexandra, and since that day i couldn't stop loving her

[ugleee]

I just hope she doesn't get hurt like the last big name filly that went against the boys.

[shazaz2122]

Wow What a filly!!!!!!

Just when we needed a super horse, we get one in a filly, One the likes of which stands alongside the Great filly Ruffian! Wow What a Horse! Amazing to watch !

[polidic]

Go Calvin!

[flattilre]

Rachel Alexandra just ran the race of the year in the Kentucky Oaks, and I just had to tell somebody that I am awestruck as well as dumb-founded. Not only is she a real looker, she also runs like a 1-to-5 shot. Nothing I like more than an automatic single in the Pick 4. Thanks for posting this. All hail to the Queen Isabella of Thoroughbreds.