Constellation vs. Rachel’s Valentina in Spinaway

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Saturday will mark exactly six years since Rachel Alexandra gave trainer Steve Asmussen one of his biggest victories when she defeated the boys in the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga.

“I don’t wait for one day a year to think about that race, I think about it all the time,” Asmussen said.

On Saturday, in a bit of irony, Asmussen will send out Constellation against Rachel Alexandra’s second foal, Rachel’s Valentina, in the Grade 1, $350,000 Spinaway Stakes at Saratoga.

Rachel’s Valentina won her only start Aug. 2 here. Rachel Alexandra’s first foal, Jess’s Dream, won his debut Aug. 24 here.

“She was very impressive, just like Rachel’s other sibling at the meet,” Asmussen said. “Nothing but respect for that filly, but I feel very good about our chances.”

Constellation, a daughter of Bellamy Road, was a 4 1/2-length debut winner here Aug. 9 under Irad Ortiz Jr., who will be back aboard on Saturday.

“She’s an impressive filly; love how she ran first time,” Asmussen said. “Very professional and has trained really nicely since.”

Constellation will break from post 5 in the Spinaway, while Rachel’s Valentina drew post 6.

Rachel’s Valentina overcame a bit of a slow start and a wide trip to win by two lengths. She is trained by Todd Pletcher for Stonestreet Stable.

The remainder of the field is Tap to It (post 1), Tonasah (post 3), Anna Rae (post 4), and Banree (post 6).