On Monday morning, May 31, 2010, at about 6:30am, Rachel Alexandra worked six furlongs in 1:11.20 over a fast track at Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky. With jockey Shaun Bridgmohan aboard she set fractional times of 12.20 for the first furlong, :23.80 for the quarter mile, then :35.40 for 3 furlongs, :47.40 for the half mile, 0:59.20 for 5 furlongs, then galloped out seven furlongs in 1:23.80 and went a mile in 1:38, according to the Churchill Downs clocker. She came in first of 3 horses on that track running at that distance.
What is interesting is that in all the workouts this morning at Churchill, Rachel Alexandra's fractions she set were tied with "Bonaroo" the first place finisher for 3 furlongs (of 23 running at that distance), was only a fraction of a second behind the fastest "Wild Wit" at 4 furlongs (of 54 running at that distance), was faster than "Trippo" the fastest at 5 furlongs (of 15 running at that distance), and was a full second faster than the other 2 horses at 6 furlongs (even though the other 2 horses also fired bullet works)! What is also encouraging is that up to and including the six furlongs, she frequently clocked under and never over 12 seconds per furlong! THAT'S FAST!
Of course we shouldn't get too excited because these are just workout statistics and many of these horses have not extended themselves fully. Still this is encouraging news because it may show to some degree the state of Rachel's fitness and stamina. After all, before her Oaks victory she posted a phenomenal 0:46.40 for 4 furlongs, one of the fastest half miles in pre-derby week history.
Her next race is most likely June 12th, but which one could it be? Rachel Alexandra has been nominated to:
1- the Grade 1, $600,000 Stephen Foster Handicap, run at 1-1/8 miles, open to both genders, at Churchill Downs,
2 - the Grade 2, $200,000 Fleur de Lis Handicap, run at 1-1/8 miles, restricted to fillies and mares, at Churchill Downs, and
3 - the Grade 1, $250,000 Ogden Phipps Handicap, run at 1-1/16 miles, restricted to fillies and mares, at Belmont Park, and
4 - the Grade 3, $150,000 Obeah Stakes, run at 1-1/8 miles, restricted to fillies and mares, at Deleware Park
"We were impressed with Rachel's Memorial Day work ," noted majority owner Jess Jackson, "Our ultimate goal has not changed in scheduling Rachel Alexandra's campaign this year," Jackson added. "We are getting her back to her fitness level of last year with the long term hope to race her in the Breeders' Cup this fall."
She has one more workout this coming Monday before her next race.
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Not only a bullet workout for 6f but also for 5f. And 2nd for 4f.
ReplyDeleteVery impressive.
I forgot to add that her 3f time tied the bullet workout at the distance.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. If I can get off work, I will go over and watch her if she races in those races.
ReplyDeletethank you again Pixie for all the great info on Rachel. I appreciate all the hard work you do in order to keep her fans informed.
ReplyDeleteDear Pixie: I can't thank you enough for keeping right up to the minute with our dear Rachel. I looked at your blog first thing on May 31st, and there you were with the up-to-the-moment report! I always look to your blog first thing to see what she is up to. May she win all of her future races. And may she race this summer at Saratoga which is 45 minutes from my house! She WILL come back!
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested in hearing Pixie's (or anyone's)guess on where Rachel will run on June 12. I think I have been right on predicting where Rachel will run every time, but this one has me guessing. The Rachel-pride in me wants her to go the Stephen Foster, especially since Quality Road is not in that race. I think she has a great chance of winning that race, and if she did that would be the best case scenario--she beats males in a Grade 1 and boom she's back near the top. But this race would be the hardest to win of the choices. The Ogden Phipps may make the most sense since it may be an easy (easier) Grade 1 win. This could be used as a stepping stone for bigger races later. I don't see her losing this race and it would be a Grade 1 win. But she would have to travel to New York. The Fleur de Lis is possible, but this is my least favorite of the three. The only benefit is that it's at Churchill Downs. I don't see the Obeah as a real option. Choosing this one would really stink. I'm going to predict the Stephen Foster but the Ogden Phipps is a close second. (of course I know my opinion doesn't mean much, but I'd be interested in hearing what y'all think.)
ReplyDeletePerhaps Jess Jackson is waiting to see her weight assignments for each race before he chooses.
ReplyDeleteI'd LIKE her to go to Belmont to run the Ogden Phipps.
ReplyDeleteI think a 99% Rachel could beat the boys at the Stephen Foster, but I'm not sure she is there yet.