Easier task for Bon Jovi Girl

ELMONT, N.Y. - While many in racing were clamoring for a Rachel Alexandra-Zenyatta matchup, trainer Tim Ritchey wonders what a Rachel Alexandra-Careless Jewel meeting would produce. Actually, Ritchey is simply happy that his 3-year-old filly Bon Jovi Girl gets away from the likes of Rachel Alexandra and Careless Jewel when she runs in Friday's $65,000 Real Prize Stakes at Belmont Park.

:: RACE OF THE DAY:

The Real Prize, scheduled for 1 1/16 miles on the main track, drew a field of six 3-year-old fillies, including the Grade 3 stakes winner Don't Forget Gil. This race could be used as a prep for the Grade 1, $300,000 Gazelle at Aqueduct on Nov. 28.

At least that's the reason Ritchey has elected to ship Bon Jovi Girl here from Delaware Park. Bon Jovi Girl, who won the . Bon Jovi Girl was due to meet Careless Jewel in the Alabama at Saratoga in August but had to miss that race due to a lung infection.

Bon Jovi Girl got her rematch with Careless Jewel in the at Philadelphia Park on Oct. 3, but could not run that filly down and settled for second, 3 1/2 lengths back.

"She ran a great race, she did exactly what we wanted - come running at the end of the race," Ritchey said. "That filly that beat us is dynamite. I'd like to see her against Rachel Alexandra, actually."

Bon Jovi Girl got her fill of Rachel Alexandra in April when she was beaten 14 3/4 lengths by her in the at Oaklawn Park.

Ritchey doesn't expect Bon Jovi Girl to be as far off the pace Friday as she was in the Cotillion. Toward that end, he worked her a sharp half-mile in 47.20 seconds on Monday at Delaware.

"She'll be a little closer," Ritchey said.

Anna Napravnik has the call on Bon Jovi Girl from post 4.

Don't Forget Gil, beaten a neck in the here in July, seeks a rebound after finishing a well-beaten fifth in the Alabama and fifth in the Grade 1 Garden City on turf.