No more.
In view of the upcoming meet with Zenyatta, Rachel has no time to lose. Rachel worked 5 furlongs in 1:03.80 this morning, being one of only two horses that dared to work timed workouts in just-rained on track. Rachel's trainer Steve Asmussen was careful to see how the other horses fared on the sloppy track (and it seemed they took it well) before he gave the go-ahead for Rachel to run on it. The wet conditions were not optimal for training, but the calculated risk was decided upon because of the limited time left before the Apple Blossom. The region has been pelted with an unusually wet winter and has resulted in multiple delays in Rachel Alexandra's training schedule.
"It's not anyone's fault, but with the rain and track conditions it's been a serious setback to Rachel's routine," Jackson said. "She's behind schedule and that means we're compressed to try to get everything done and keep her on schedule leading up to works and preparing for a major competition at Oaklawn."
This is only the third workout since her last race in September 2009, and the first at 5 furlongs. Asmussen has also stepped up the workouts by increasing frequency from once a week to once every 6 days. Her last workout was last Saturday, today is Friday, and her next workout is scheduled to be next Thursday.
“Today just keeps us on rhythm,’’ the assistant trainer Scott Blasi said, “It keeps us on track, without having to overdo it. With the track and the weather being what it is, we were a little cautious today. Next week, we’ll start picking it up. She’ll be more aggressive next week. I think next week will be more of a tell of where she is physically.’’
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