Can the Old Girl Be What She Used To Be
Written by Daniel Turner, Friday June 11 2010
Rachel Alexandra won the 2009 Horse of the Year and it appeared that the sky was the limit. Race experts were talking about the dream matchup between her and the 2009 Breeder’s Cup Classic winner Zenyatta. Unfortunately, Rachel Alexandra entered other races that seemed like mere warm-ups to the dream meeting, but she came up short. Now, many of those same experts are wondering if Rachel has been relegated to has been shortly after being crowned the ultimate somebody.
On Saturday Rachel runs in the Fleur de Lis Handicap at Churchill Downs. The field isn’t stacked; in fact there are only five entries. However, the measure of importance is if Rachel can regain her winning form. Zenyatta has remained undefeated while Rachel had her meeting with the Breeder’s winner canceled after she lost the New Orleans Ladies by three quarters of a length to unheralded Zardana. After another loss at Churchill Downs to Unrivaled Belle Rachel was being looked upon as a passing fancy who had her 15 minutes of fame.
While the remaining field in the Fleur de Lis is unimpressive Jessica is Back has enough speed that she could outrun Rachel who has gained weight since her 2009 campaign. Carrying 124 pounds, Rachel is seven to 11 pounds heavier than the field. Stonestreet Stables and Harold McCormick, her owners, claim her fitness level is greater than 2009 and her new weight is a sign of her maturing strength.
Others wonder if her heavy work load in her championship season and her larger size are combining to put her over a hill whose crest she barely had time to stand upon to boast of her achievements. Along with the listed 124 pounds, Rachel Alexandra carries the weight of the world upon her when she makes what could ultimately be her comeback race on Saturday.
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