Reigning Horse of the Year RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d’Oro) picked up the
pace of her training on Monday with a sharp five-furlong workout at Churchill
Downs over the fast main track.
Rachel Alexandra cruised through the distance in 1:00 2/5, which was the
second fastest move of 14 at the distance. Jockey Shaun Bridgmohan was in the
saddle as last year’s champion three-year-old filly covered the distance in
fractional times of :12 1/5, :24 1/5, :36 1/5 and :48 2/5, and galloped out six
furlongs in 1:12 4/5 and seven furlongs in 1:26.
“She looked great and galloped out super,” trainer Steve Asmussen said.
“She’s doing well. It was just very nice. It was nice and smooth, covered ground
well and was out very strong.”
Asmussen said again that “all options are open” regarding the next start for
Rachel Alexandra, who is winless in her only starts of 2010 following a perfect
eight-race campaign in her championship year. She finished second to Zardana
(Brz) (Crimson Tide) in the New Orleans Ladies S. at Fair Grounds, then lost by
a head to Unrivaled Belle (Unbridled’s Song) in the La Troienne S. (G2) at
Churchill Downs on April 30.
The June 12 Fleur de Lis H. (G2) at 1 1/8 miles is an option for Rachel
Alexandra should her connections choose to run again during the Churchill spring
meet.
Monday’s work was the third since her setback in the La Troienne, but was
considerably quicker than those earlier efforts. She had breezed four furlongs
in :52 over a fast track on May 10 and followed that with a five-furlong move
over a sloppy track in 1:04 1/5 on May 17.
Among those on hand to observe the work was Barbara Banke, the wife of
majority owner Jess Jackson.
Rachel Alexandra’s career record stands at 16-11-4-0 in which she has earned
$3,074,050.