Rachel Alexandra's trainer Steve Asmussen said that he and co-owner Jess Jackson would soon sit down soon to discuss what's next for the reigning Horse of the Year after her facile victory in the Lady's Secret Stakes on a hot and humid day at Monmouth Park July 24.
The 4-year-old daughter of Medaglia d'Oro arrived back at her current home base at Saratoga Race Course just before 9 a.m. EDT July 25.
The most obvious target for Rachel Alexandra would be the 1 1/4-mile Personal Ensign Stakes (gr. I) Aug. 29 at the Spa.
“We’ll assess her condition when she goes back to the track, discuss everything with Mr. Jackson and go from there,” said Asmussen. Jackson owns the filly in partnership with Harold McCormick. Rachel Alexandra scored her second victory of the year by three lengths in the 1 1/8-mile Lady’s Secret. “I think there’s a chance she can run here.”
With the ultimate goal being the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in November, the timing of Rachel’s starts is a primary concern, said Asmussen.
“We’re trying to avoid any peaks and valleys,” he said. “I don’t think you’ve seen the best of her yet. We have a lot mare to work with. She’s carrying a lot of flesh, and she’s very sound and comfortable. It’s getting to the time of year where more pressure will be put on her very step of the way.”
Rachel Alexandra, who has won 13 of 18 lifetime starts with four seconds, began the 2010 campaign with two losses but has bounced back with wins in the Fleur de Lis (gr. II) at Churchill Downs June 12 and the Lady's Secret.
Rachel Alexandra
Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO