Oaklawn talking "Race for the Ages"

Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., has called a press conference for Thursday morning amid widespread speculation the track is attempting to bring Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta together for the first time, likely in the Grade 1, $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap.

Officials have not revealed the nature of the press conference. The invitations to it feature a cover that says, "A Race for the Ages." Inside, it reads that a "special announcement" will be made "regarding one of the greatest stakes races in our 106-year history."

The connections of the Breeders' Cup Classic winner, Zenyatta, who came out of retirement last month, have mentioned the Apple Blossom as possible for the mare this year. Rachel Alexandra, who last month was voted Horse of the Year, is in training in Fair Grounds and had her first work since August on Sunday.

The Apple Blossom is scheduled for April 3, and it shares a card with the Grade 2, $500,000 Oaklawn Handicap. The Hot Springs meet closes on April 10, with the running of the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby.