** For video of Rachel Alexandra's return to
Sunday, July 25, 2010
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- Alabama next for Devil May Care; Quality Road, Super Saver to work Monday
- Rachel returns to Spa
- Fly Down to work Monday for Jim Dandy; Ice Box breezes Sunday
- Diana-bound Forever Together to put in turf work Monday
Devil May Care, who scored her second Grade 1 victory of the year in Saturday's Betfair TVG Coaching Club American Oaks, will be pointed to the Grade 1 Betfair TVG Alabama on that day, a race that already been mentioned as a likely next start for the nation's other top sophomore filly, Blind Luck, also a two-time Grade 1 winner this year.
"Blind Luck is obviously a top-class filly," said Devil May Care's trainer, Todd Pletcher. "When we decided to go to the [
"The
Pletcher added that the Malibu Moon filly came out of her Betfair TVG Coaching Club American Oaks performance in excellent order.
"It would be hard for me to see her run any better than she did yesterday," said Pletcher. "When Johnny [Velazquez] turned for home, he was loaded. The way she finished and the way she galloped out was very impressive. She's one of those horses that has natural stamina."
Devil May Care, who was 10th in the
The California-based Blind Luck, trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, has been no worse than third in 12 lifetime starts. She began her 2010 campaign with a victory in the Grade 1 Las Virgenes, and in addition to the Kentucky Oaks also won the Grade 2 Fantasy and the Grade 2 Delaware Oaks in her most recent start.
"She's got that little extra something, that she wants to win, and gets her nose down at the wire," said Pletcher of Blind Luck, who has won three races by a nose this year.
Pletcher postponed until Monday the works of the nation's top older male, Quality Road, whose next start will be the Grade 1 Whitney on August 7, as well as that of Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver. The trainer is hoping that both Super Saver and Aikenite, who goes in Saturday's Grade 2, $500,000 Jim Dandy, will both make the Spa's premier event, the 141st running of the Grade 1, $1 million Travers on Saturday, August 28.
The trainer added that Winaholic, third to Aikenite in an allowance at
"If he fires big, it will be under consideration," he said.
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Reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra returned to her home base at Saratoga Race Course just before 9 a.m. Sunday, and trainer Steve Asmussen said that he and owner Jess Jackson would sit down and discuss what's next for the 4-year-old filly after she returns to training.
One attractive target could be the Grade 1, 1 ¼-mile Personal Ensign at the Spa on August 29.
"We'll assess her condition when she goes back to the track, discuss everything with Mr. Jackson and go from there," said Asmussen of Rachel, who scored her second victory of the year in the Lady's Secret at
With the ultimate goal being the Breeders' Cup in November, the timing of Rachel's starts is a primary concern, said Asmussen.
"We're trying to avoid any peaks and valleys," he said. "I don't think you've seen the best of her yet. We have a lot of mare to work with. She's carrying a lot of flesh, and she's very sound and comfortable. It's getting to the time of year where more pressure will be put on her very step of the way."
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Dwyer winner and Belmont Stakes runner-up Fly Down will put in his final serious work Monday morning for an expected start in the Grade 2, $500,000 Jim Dandy on Saturday, July 31.
Trainer Nick Zito said the colt would likely work a half-mile on the main track at 8:40, but that he might change plans and work him over the
Another talented Zito 3-year-old, Ice Box, worked Sunday morning at
"I got Ice Box faster – 47.64 – but that's fine," said Zito, who trains Ice Box for Robert LaPenta. "I was very happy with him. Don't forget he worked with Cool Coal Man, and he's no slouch. Jose did a good job with him and he came home very well."
Ice Box and Fly Down are both potential contenders for the Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes at
"We have a big week next week," Zito said. "Let's hope everything goes well."
* * *
Forever Together, 2008's Top Female Turf Horse, will have her final work Monday morning at Saratoga Race Course as she prepares for a run in the Grade 1, $500,000 Diana on July 31, a race she will attempt to win for the third consecutive year.
"She seems to be fine," said her Hall of Fame trainer, Jonathan Sheppard Sunday morning. "She's been up here about three days and we plan to work her on the grass tomorrow and, all being well, run Saturday."
Sheppard said the 6-year-old daughter of Belong to Me would go out when the Oklahoma Turf Course opens for training at 10 a.m. and work five furlongs.
Forever Together is still looking for her first win this year, though she owns a pair of near-misses, finishing second by a half length in both the Grade 2 Jenny Wiley on April 10 at Keeneland and the Grade 1 Gamely on May 29 at Hollywood Park.
Among others, she is expected to face the first three finishers from the Grade 1 Just a Game on Belmont Stakes Day, June 5 – Proviso, Phola, and My Princess Jess.
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