Rachel: A year later

By Jenny Kellner

It is a morning like any other morning on the backstretch at Saratoga Race Course. Seagulls circle overhead, silhouetted against the slowly brightening sky; workers cruise by on their bicycles, and from inside the barns you can hear the stomping and rustling of the racehorses.

Despite the early hour, there are a few people clustered on the knoll near trainer Steve Asmussen’s barn, their gaze focused on the light spilling from stall No. 1. There’s no toy New York license plate bearing her name over the door anymore, but everyone knows who’s inside: Rachel Alexandra.

Last September, the Spa’s venerable grandstand was shaking to the roar of more than 30,000 fans as Rachel ran her 2009 record to a perfect 8-for-8 in the Woodward, becoming the first filly to ever win the prestigious race.

The victory capped probably the most ambitious campaign ever by a 3-year-old filly, one that encompassed a 20-length win in the Kentucky Oaks, two wins over 3-year-old colts in the Preakness and Haskell; a record-setting triumph in the Belmont Park’s Mother Goose, and her historic win over older males in the Woodward, her final start of the year.

A year older, a year stronger, a year bigger, Rachel is back. Her win in the Lady’s Secret signaled her readiness for the rest of her 2010 campaign, one which begins in earnest on August 29 with the 1 ¼ mile Personal Ensign, her first Grade 1 race of the year and first at the distance.

In the meantime, the preparations continue, so much the same as last year it seems the Rachel-less months in between never were. Two Monday works over the Oklahoma Training Track, the rail lined with Rachel fans; a third over the main track. Just like last year.

It’s still very early. The Breakfast at Saratoga crowds are not here yet, and Mary Ryan has not taken up her microphone to pick out the stars for the fans.

“But all you have to do is look for the fastest horse out there,” says trainer Neil Howard, sitting atop his pony, as Rachel trots by.

Still, jockey Shaun Bridgmohan’s red cap and flak jacket makes it doubly easy to spot her flying low along the rail as she sped to the wire, then galloping in an impressive display of grace and power. She’s more relaxed in the middle of her works than she ever was as a 3-year-old, and seemingly stronger at the end.

She’s ready.