Rachel works!

Sightseek · #1 01-31-2010, 09:50 AM

1/2 in 52

http://www.drf.com/news/article/110496.html

TouchOfGrey · #2 01-31-2010, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Terry kept her in the middle of the track at a slow gallop for the better part of the backstretch, as Rachel Alexandra seemed eager to get into gear, turning her head toward the inner part of the track. Terry allowed her to run in earnest between the half-mile pole and the three-eighths pole, and she worked to the wire.

The work was the first of what will be a series of weekly breezes for Rachel Alexandra, and pleased Blasi.

"Dominic does a great job, a perfect work," said Blasi. "You have to trick her into going that slow. I asked for a touch slower, but it's physically impossible for her."

For Terry the work was Rachel's usual professional effort.

"Perfect as always," said Terry. "She was relaxed and steady. Covered the ground great and galloped out very nicely."

Yay!

Kathy Skiver · #3 01-31-2010, 10:20 AM

not sure if anyone else has seen this, but I ran into a horse racing DVD website that will be offering a RACHEL ALEXANDRA 14-Race Time Capsule pretty soon. Check it out:

http://www.horseracingdvd.com/index.php?p=home

AeWingnut · #4 01-31-2010, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kathy Skiver

not sure if anyone else has seen this, but I ran into a horse racing DVD website that will be offering a RACHEL ALEXANDRA 14-Race Time Capsule pretty soon. Check it out:

http://www.horseracingdvd.com/index.php?p=home

I like the idea but it is a little pre-mature. She isn't done. Well, she may be but she isn't yet.

Smooth Operator · #5 01-31-2010, 07:47 PM

They better get her in the best shape of her life …

cuz there's a monster lurking out there…

Z

#6 02-02-2010, 01:15 PM

Seriously you must be kidding? Assuming the Z stands for the horse that only runs in Cali, needs a poly and turf horses to become a monster. So sorry Charlie but your going to be disappointed when the finish line comes this year. That is of course if the good connections choose to hook the HOY that is...

Scat OUT

asudevil · #7 02-02-2010, 01:18 PM

Can we make predictions on where and when this race will take place? Put up odds?

Cannon Shell · #8 02-02-2010, 01:40 PM

Apple Blossom at Oaklawn 15-1
La Troienne at CD 10-1
Ogden Phipps at Belmont 6-1
Personal Ensign at Saratoga 20-1
Delaware Hdcp at Delaware 22-1
Never 8-5

cakes44 · #9 02-02-2010, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Apple Blossom at Oaklawn 15-1
La Troienne at CD 10-1
Ogden Phipps at Belmont 6-1
Personal Ensign at Saratoga 20-1
Delaware Hdcp at Delaware 22-1
Never 8-5

I've never been to any of these places in California. Are they new? I assume they all have synthetic tracks?

alysheba4 · #10 02-02-2010, 01:50 PM

wouldnt be surprised if she never goes to post again.......

DaTruth · #11 02-02-2010, 02:01 PM

Oaks Day is still huge without the matchup, so I can't see CD pulling out all the stops for the La Troienne. But I can see them doing it to get RA and Z to show up in a primetime Stephen Foster.

MaTH716 · #12 02-02-2010, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Apple Blossom at Oaklawn 15-1
La Troienne at CD 10-1
Ogden Phipps at Belmont 6-1
Personal Ensign at Saratoga 20-1
Delaware Hdcp at Delaware 22-1
Never 8-5

I think never is an overlay at 8-5.

The Indomitable DrugS · #13 02-02-2010, 03:14 PM

NTamm1215 · #14 02-02-2010, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

Why?

That's actually a great question. Other than horseplayers generally being skeptics (from experience) I'm not sure why everyone is so convinced it won't happen.

NT

VOL JACK · #15 02-02-2010, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

That's actually a great question. Other than horseplayers generally being skeptics (from experience) I'm not sure why everyone is so convinced it won't happen.

NT

I can Moss Backing out last minute if the field comes up really short and light on early speed.

parsixfarms · #16 02-02-2010, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

That's actually a great question. Other than horseplayers generally being skeptics (from experience) I'm not sure why everyone is so convinced it won't happen.

NT

I think they really emptied Rachel's tank when she won the Woodward. Based on the way champion fillies have returned to the races in recent years, my gut tells me that she won't be able to race at the same high level in 2010 that she did in 2009. I can't see Jackson pressing on with her under those circumstances. I hope that I am wrong.

Antitrust32 · #17 02-02-2010, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

That's actually a great question. Other than horseplayers generally being skeptics (from experience) I'm not sure why everyone is so convinced it won't happen.

NT

exactly, it would be one thing if she was a fragile animal, but she has been sound and raced often.

So, Jess Jackson raced her in the Preakness on a 2 week layoff.. the Haskell and the Woodward.. do people think he'll retire her with a "mystery injury" so she wont ever lose again? JJ has already proven that he is not scared to take the risk of losing.

I think there is a higher chance of her racing this year than not racing.. i'd say 80/20 that she races. but she still is a race horse and they can take one bad step and get a career ending injury so I guess that is possible..

Antitrust32 · #18 02-02-2010, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

I think they really emptied Rachel's tank when she won the Woodward. Based on the way champion fillies have returned to the races in recent years, my gut tells me that she won't be able to race at the same high level in 2010 that she did in 2009. I can't see Jackson pressing on with her under those circumstances. I hope that I am wrong.

I dont understand this? I thought Zenyetta did just fine returning to the races? Ashado, Azeri and others come to mind.

If you are referencing two year olds not advancing as three year olds (like Stardom Bound and all the countless 2yo fillies that do not improve), that is comparing apples to oranges.

parsixfarms · #19 02-02-2010, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antitrust32

I dont understand this? I thought Zenyetta did just fine returning to the races? Ashado, Azeri and others come to mind.

If you are referencing two year olds not advancing as three year olds (like Stardom Bound and all the countless 2yo fillies that do not improve), that is comparing apples to oranges.

Aside form the 2YOs, I'm thinking most recent 3YO fily champions (Proud Spell, Rags to Riches, Wait a While, Smuggler) and an older mare such as Ginger Punch. Maybe some of these weren't "great" to begin with, but none raced at the same level as they had in their championship season. Even Ashado, who you mentioned, was better at 3 than she was at 4.

Antitrust32 · #20 02-02-2010, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parsixfarms

Aside form the 2YOs, I'm thinking most recent 3YO fily champions (Proud Spell, Rags to Riches, Wait a While, Smuggler) and an older mare such as Ginger Punch. Maybe some of these weren't "great" to begin with, but none raced at the same level as they had in their championship season. Even Ashado, who you mentioned, was better at 3 than she was at 4.

Wait a While ran real well for a couple of years. Rags to Riches got hurt & didnt race at 4.. dont remember completely about Proud Spell and Smuggler.. but didnt they get hurt also? Ginger Punch was incredibly slow and overrated..

I think in general, good sound horses improve from year 3 to 4. Though she was so good at 3 it may not be possible for her to improve much.. She had enough time off after the Woodward where that brutal race for her shouldnt affect her.

We'll see but i expect her to not only race 5-7 times this year but to do very well again.