Decision on Rachel after workout next week

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - A decision on where superstar filly Rachel Alexandra makes her next start won't be made until after she and her stablemate, the 3-year-old colt Kensei, put in workouts next Monday, owner Jess Jackson said Wednesday.

Jackson said he is still considering both horses for the $1 million Travers Stakes on Aug. 29 at Saratoga. Both are also nominated for the Woodward here on Sept. 5 and the Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 7. The two horses would not run against each other.

"It depends on the health of the horses, which one s doing really well," Jackson said in the paddock prior to Wednesday's Adirondack Stakes in which he ran Dashing Debby, who finished fifth. "If they're both doing really well, then we got a decision to make. I know delaying the decision makes it harder for the press to follow, but it's all about the horse."

There is plenty of upside for Kensei to run in the Travers. He is 2 for 2 at Saratoga including a win in the Jim Dandy. A victory in the Travers - where he would presumably face Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, Belmont winner Summer Bird and Quality Road - would not only help his career as a stallion, but could also put him in the conversation for honors in the 3-year-old division.

"It's a formidable group," Jackson said. "It's up to him to prove it. He's either going to do it or he's not."

Rachel Alexandra has already beaten 3-year-old males twice - in the Preakness and Haskell Invitational - but could become the first female to win the Woodward should she face older males in that spot.

"I m up to a challenge, you know that," Jackson said. "We'd love to race her here, but there a few other races being formulated for her. I m a Saratoga guy."