Rachel Alexandra workout - August 31, 2009

Just before sunrise Monday morning, Rachel Alexandra worked a half-mile in 49.09 in preparation for her attempt to rewrite racing history in Saturdays 56th running of the Grade 1, $750,000 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.




Clockers for The New York Racing Association, Inc. caught the 3-year-old filly going the first quarter in 25.53 and galloping out five furlongs in 1:02.23 in her final serious move before taking on older males for the first time in the 1 1/8th mile Woodward. Regular exercise rider Dominic Terry was aboard for the breeze, the 15th fastest of 44 at the distance, over the Oklahoma training track.




She was very happy, came back very loose, said trainer Steve Asmussen of Stonestreet Stable and Harold McCormicks star filly. If shes happy, were happy. It was a nice, cool, crisp morning, and the racetrack was in great shape. I cant say enough about [Director of Racing Surfaces Glen Kozak] and the job hes done. She looked as good as we could have hoped.




She was extremely impressive, he added. We were teasing about it, making a training video and putting it in everyone elses stall to say, Try to do it like this.

Rachel Alexandra is trying to become the first female ever to win the Woodward Stakes. The leading candidate for Horse of the Year honors with an eight-race win streak, she has already defeated 3-year-old colts in the Preakness and the Haskell Invitational.

The Woodward, won last year by Stonestreet Stables two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, is included on the resume of more than a dozen other past Horse of the Year champions, including Saint Liam (2005), Ghostzapper (2004), Mineshaft (2003), Cigar (1995-96), Holy Bull (1994), Alysheba (1988), Spectacular Bid (1980), and Affirmed (1979).




Its great to have an opportunity to run her on the stage that is Saratoga, one I think she is deserving of, said Asmussen. To run her in a race that Curlin was fortunate enough to win last year, we realize what a tall order it is for her. Most likely Saturday, it will take a career effort for her.




A throng of onlookers, some wearing Rachel Alexandra T-shirts and caps, was on hand for the work, among them Barbara Banke, wife of Stonestreet Stable owner Jess Jackson.




She did it so easily, said Banke. It looks like shes just loping along, and [later] you see how fast she did it.




Rachel Alexandra, who has not lost since November 29, 2008, is scheduled to school at Saratoga Thursday afternoon during the fifth race, a session which should be well-attended.




I think she knows shes a star, said Asmussen. I think she accepts the pressure thats put on her, and she thrives on it.

Category:

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[shadowkitty56]

I know I am going to be crucified for this, but personally I imagine Rachel Alexandra happy to take a bit of a break....I see her in her stall, munching on peppermints and watching the snow fall... and then nuzzling up cozy under her blanket whispering to herself, "I will race again...but first, I shall rest...good things come to fillies who wait...."

[SxDxTrace]

I saw Ruffian, both her and Rachel are pefection in motion,

[UnbridledRacing]

Simply exquisite. Thank you Rachel for inspiring us all.

[bubblinbrownsugar616]

It's amazing how I was REALLY pissed off about something in my personal life, came on to youtube, saw a recommended video of Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, and seriously, they made me forget my troubles and put a smile on my face. I love both of the horses and I have a little bit of bias because they are fillies that can "beat the boys"

I LOVE them!!!

[bombomb09]

ah agreed!

[JustBeYou987]

haha well she did!

[MrBehindthesun]

a dream to see this horse and sea the stars one time live how they a running, but not in a battle;-)-i hope sea the stars will win next week the 4 million euro arc de triomphe in paris

[ldsunwind]

she is not floating like she used too

[MC5Rule]

Amazing and beautiful, as delicate as china. She takes your breath away.