On Monday morning, August 23, 2010, shortly before 6:00am, Rachel Alexandra worked four furlongs in 48.80 seconds over a muddy sealed track at Oklahoma Training Track near Saratoga Race Course in New York. With jockey Shaun Bridgmohan aboard, she ran at an even pace throughout, posting opening and final quarter-mile splits of 24.40, then she set galloped out five furlongs in 1:03.18. She ran the second fastest out of 14 horses running the same distance on that track.
“I was very concerned about the weather but they did a good job with the racetrack, it was safe and she went well over it,” Asmussen said as Rachel Alexandra cooled out back at the barn. “She seemed really happy.”
“We just wanted to see her happy and loose,” he said. “She knows what her job is by now, and you want to see an acceptance and a willingness to do it.
“With her, you’re careful with the rhythm you get into to start off. She’s very strong, very physical, and likes to do quite a bit. Shaun has done a great job with her, getting her away from the pole smoothly, and then once she gets into a rhythm, it’s been pretty good from there.”
Asmussen said Rachel Alexandra would school in the paddock during the week, dependent on the weather. Rain is forecast into Wednesday.
“As we’ve talked about and by design with Mr. Jackson, it’s time to pick it up,” Asmussen said. “She’s very keen. We’re just trying to keep her in a rhythm right now and keep her happy, and we feel that’s where she’s at.”
This is Rachel's fianl workout in preparation for the 1 1/4 mile, $300,000, Grade 1 Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga this Sunday August 29, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. E.S.T. The race will be covered on television by TVG and HRTV.
Video of Rachel's workout today
Video of Rachel galloping 2 days ago
References: drf.com and thoroughbredtimes.com
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Thank you for the latest articlw. I watched both videos. Todays work a four furlongs was impressive, they usually work her slower the week before the race, but she still turned in the second fastest time. The gallop from two days ago shows that she is full of run.....Good luck Rachel on Sunday...run fast and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteWell, the countdown begins. The local papers are trumpeting her race on Sunday along with the Travers on Saturday. Big weekend for Saratoga and our girl. I'm nervous already and will be super hyped that day. I will cheer her on. Can't wait to see her. GO RACHEL!!!
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