NEWS
Rachel Alexandra returns to worktab
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010 1:31 PM
by Mike Curry
Reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra returned to the worktab on Sunday for the first time since an extended layoff following her victory against older males in the Woodward Stakes (G1) on September 5 at Saratoga Race Course.
In her first published workout as a four-year-old, the Medaglia d’Oro filly breezed a half-mile in :52 on Sunday at Fair Grounds for trainer Steve Asmussen, who, like Rachel Alexandra, received an Eclipse Award on January 18.
Asmussen won his second straight Eclipse Award as outstanding trainer. Rachel Alexandra edged unbeaten champion Zenyatta as Horse of the Year and was a unanimous selection as champion three-year-old filly.
“I even asked for a touch slower but for her that’s just physically impossible,” Scott Blasi, assistant to Asmussen, said of the workout under exercise rider Dominic Terry. “Dominic did a good job. He had to trick her into going that slow but right now that’s what’s best for her.
“It was a perfect work. We’re not out to impress anybody at this point. I’m happy with how manageable she is, how happy she is being out there. Looking at her body motion, she’s happy with what she’s doing.”
Trained by Asmussen for owners Jess Jackson and Harold McCormick, Rachel Alexandra won each of her eight starts last season, including victories over males in the BlackBerry Preakness (G1), Haskell Invitational (G1), and Woodward Stakes. She also turned in record-setting performances while winning the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Mother Goose Stakes (G1).
Out of Grade 2-placed stakes winner Lotta Kim, by Roar, Rachel Alexandra has amassed 11 wins and two seconds in 14 career starts and earned $2,948,354.
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
