Edited Churchill Downs report
BlackBerry Preakness Stakes and Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner Rachel Alexandra turned in solid six-furlong workout June 8 at Churchill Downs as the team behind the 3-year-daughter of Medaglia d’Oro considers her next start.
Rachel Alexandra covered the distance over a “fast” track in 1:13.80. Regular exercise rider Dominic Terry was in the saddle as Churchill Downs clockers caught her in fractions of :13, :25.60, :37.60, :49.40 and 1:01.20. She galloped out seven furlongs in 1:28.
Trainer Steve Asmussen was happy with the move, but said there’s no decision yet from majority owner Jess Jackson of Stonestreet Stables regarding Rachel Alexandra’s next start.
“She went a nice, smooth three quarters,” Asmussen said. “She went beautiful, like she always does. She’s in a nice rhythm and seems very happy right now. We’ll report back to Jess and the gang and see what we do next.”
Jackson had earlier mentioned Belmont Park’s Mother Goose (gr. I) on June 27 as one option for Rachel Alexandra. The Mother Goose is a 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-old fillies.
Rachel Alexandra has won six consecutive races, with her victory over Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the Preakness being her latest triumph. She has a career record of 8-2-0 in 11 races and has earned $1,618,354.
