RACHEL ALEXANDRA - 2009 Haskell Invitational Stakes

Rachel Alexandra turned in yet another dominating performance in a campaign for the ages when she captured the $1.25 million Haskell Invitational (gr. I) on a sloppy track at Monmouth Park Aug. 2. With regular rider Calvin Borel at the controls, Rachel Alexandra raced three wide just off the pacesetter Munnings, took charge leaving the final turn and drew off under light urging to win by about six lengths. It was her second win over males -- she won the Preakness (gr. I) May 16 -- and improved her record to seven-for-seven in 2009. The winning time for the 1 1/8-mile test was 1:47 1/5, just two ticks off the track mark, a remarkable effort considering the track conditions. Summer Bird finished second, with Munnings third. Winning trainer Steve Asmussen, who also captured the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (gr. II) with Soul Warrior, and the $500,000 Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II) with Kensei a day earlier, completed a dream weekend with Rachel Alexandra's triumph over five rivals. Owner Jess Jackson has indicated that he would like to run the daughter of Medaglia d'Oro once more against males in the Travers (gr. I) at Saratoga. "We don't know," Jackson told TVG when asked about Rachel Alexandra's next start. "She'll tell us. "We're not going to the Breeders' Cup. I've said it and I meant it." http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/51946/rachel-alexandra-dominates-haskell

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YouTube | August 2, 2009

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