February 7 - The fact that unbeaten mare Zenyatta is retired did not stop Oaklawn Park president Charles Cella from announcing this week that if she and 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra run in the Apple Blossom Invitational (Gr 1) on April 3, he'll up the purse from $500,000 to $5 million.

Horseracing fans across the United States are hoping that the connections of both horses take to the idea and send their runners to Hot Springs, Arkansas to take part in the long-awaited showdown. For months fans have been hoping to watch America's two best female thoroughbreds go head-to-head.

But unfortunately it's never came to pass. While there was speculation that the two females would face off in last year's Breeders Cup World Championships, Rachel Alexandra's connections chose not to enter her. But Zenyatta scored a major coup by beating males to win the Breeders' Cup Classic.

As a result of Cella's cheeky proposition, there may finally be a chance to see who is the fastest and fairest female in the land. And according to Cella, he has spoken to Jess Jackson, the majority owner of Rachel Alexandra, and Jerry Moss, Zenyatta's owner, and both are reportedly open to the idea.

If Rachel and Zenyatta take part, the Apple Blossom Invitational (usually known as the Apple Blossom Handicap) will be open to only 10 mares four-years-old and up. Its distance will be increased from 1 1/16 miles to 1 1/8 miles, and all 10 of the runners will be required to carry a weight of 123 pounds.

Said Rachel Alexandra's trainer, Steve Asmussen, 'It's great to see how much interest there is in the mares, and hopefully it will come together. From a timing point of view, it's less than optimum. Said Jess Jackson, 'If she's in top form and it fits our schedule, we'll be there.' Rachel only went back into training this week.

Zenyatta's trainer, John Shirreffs, was also thrilled at the announcement. 'It sounds very exciting. It's a race we've been thinking about going to no matter what happens.' The race's extra purse cash will reportedly be provided by Cella and the Arkansas Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.