‘Rachel’, Zenyatta get back to work

March 13, 2010|Beth Harris, Associated Press

The two leading ladies of American racing return to action today, with 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra making her season debut in New Orleans and undefeated Zenyatta revisiting the scene of her Breeders’ Cup triumph in California.

If all goes well, the filly and the mare are scheduled to face each other for the first time April 9 in the $5 million Apple Blossom Invitational at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas.

But first they’ll have to contend with members of their own gender. Rachel Alexandra will take on four rivals in the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies’ Stakes over 1 1/16 miles on the Fair Grounds dirt. She’ll carry 123 pounds — 2 to 6 more than the others in the race that goes off at 6:15 p.m.

About 25 minutes later, Zenyatta will face eight fillies and mares in the $250,000 Santa Margarita Handicap over 1 1/8 miles on Santa Anita’s synthetic surface.

Zenyatta, who beat the boys in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic in November on the same track, will carry high weight of 127 pounds — 12 to 19 more than her rivals.

“She’s a big mare,’’ said jockey Mike Smith. “She carries the weight very well, so hopefully it won’t bother her too much.’’

In New Orleans, jockey Calvin Borel figures to have Rachel Alexandra racing near the front, while Zenyatta and Smith will sit at the back waiting to unleash her trademark run.

Now a 4-year-old filly, Rachel Alexandra hasn’t run in six months, having capped her 8-0 campaign with a victory against older males in the Woodward Stakes Sept. 5.

Smith hopes he can watch Rachel Alexandra’s race before he heads out to ride Zenyatta.

“I’m a big fan of hers, too. I hope she runs well and we do meet in Arkansas,’’ he said. “It’s going to be one of the most-watched races in history if we’re both lucky enough to get there.’’

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