Rachel Alexandra Fires Another Bullet Workout

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 before her next race.

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