Rachel Alexandra Sharp in Churchill Workout

• Print

Photo: Reed Palmer Photography/Churchill Downs

Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, seen here in a previous breeze, worked five furlongs in a sharp 1:00 2/5 at Churchill Downs on May 24.

Stonestreet Stables and Harold McCormick’s Rachel Alexandra worked five furlongs in a sharp 1:00 2/5 at Churchill Downs on May 24.

The move, with jockey Shaun Bridgmohan aboard, was the second fastest of the day for 14 horses working the distance over a fast tack.

The reigning Horse of the Year trained by Steve Asmussen worked in fractional times of :12.20, :24.20, :36.20 and :48.40 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.80 and seven furlongs in 1:26.

"She looked great and galloped out super," Asmussen said in a statement from the Churchill Downs' communications department. "She’s doing well. It was just very nice. It was nice and smooth, covered ground well and was out very strong."

Asmussen reiterated "all options are open" regarding the next start for Rachel Alexandra, who finished second to Zardana in the New Orleans Ladies at Fair Grounds, then lost by a head to Unrivaled Belle in the $400,000 La Troienne (gr. II) at Churchill Downs on the Kentucky Oaks Day card on April 30.

Among those on hand to observe the work was Barbara Banke, the wife of Stonestreet Farm’s Jess Jackson. Rachel Alexandra’s career record is 11-4-0 in 16 starts, with earnings of $3,074,050.

• Print