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Rachel Alexandra to Race in Haskell - 07-15-09
 July 15 - The connections of top-rated filly Rachel Alexandra have announced that the talented runner will next start in the prestigious $1 million Haskell Invitational Handicap (Gr 1) on August 2 at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey, where she'll go up against other classy three-year-olds.
Rachel Alexandra, who delivered a dazzling victory in this year's prestigious $1 million Preakness Stakes (Gr 1) at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore with champion jockey Calvin Borel aboard, will for only the second time in her illustrious career (the Preakness Stakes being her first) compete against males.
And being an invitational, the Haskell Invitational Handicap always attracts the cream of North American three-year-olds each year, and this year will be no different. Also expected to start in the 1 8 mile race are Atomic Rain, Munnings, Papa Clem, Big Drama and 2009 Belmont Stakes winner, Summer Bird.
However, with the virtually unbeatable Rachel confirmed to start, that could well change as some trainers may be 'scared' away. But two people that are anything but scared are Rachel's respected owner, Jess Jackson, and trainer, Steve Asmussen, who are confident in her chances in the big race next month.
Said Jackson, 'Rachel Alexandra is progressing extremely well after her stakes record victory in the Mother Goose Stakes (June 27)and she's in top condition. We are all looking forward to seeing this great athlete perform again against both colts and fillies in New Jersey in the Haskell Invitational Handicap.'
Although he ultimately settled on the Haskell, Jackson had a number of races he could have chosen for Rachel. One of which was the $1 million Delaware Handicap (Gr 2) at Delaware Park Racecourse this Sunday, as well as the Coaching Club American Oaks (Gr 1) at Belmont Park in New York on July 25.
On Monday this week at the Oklahoma training track in Saratoga, Rachel Alexandra worked five furlongs in a not-too-shabby time of 1:01.38. Said Asmussen afterwards, 'She's doing great. Her being a 3-year-old filly that has success outside of her division has just given us that many more options.'
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