Rachel Alexandra To Run In Woodward

Saratoga Race Course

Trainer Steve Asmussen announced on Monday that his star filly Rachel Alexandra will run next in the Woodward Stakes against older horses at Saratoga on Saturday, September 5th. Rachel will try to become the first female horse to ever win the Woodward.

Asmussen said that his 3 year old colt Kensei, winner of the Jim Dandy Stakes will race in this Saturday's Travers. Both Rachel Alexandra and Kensei are owned by Jess Jackson.

Upon word of this decision, the New York Racing Association increased the purse for the Grade I Woodward to $750,000 in hopes of attracting a top field for the race.

In other Rachel news, two online betting services including TVG have agreed to contribute a total of $400,000 toward making the the October 3rd Beldame Stakes at Belmont Park a $1 Million purse should both Rachel Alexandra and the undefeated older mare Zenyatta run in this race. No word yet from the connections of either super star as to whether such a dream match-up will actually take place.