Only fitting Alejandro races on card that includes Rachel Alexandra Stakes

It’s fitting that Alejandro makes the first start of his 3-year-old season on Saturday at Fair Grounds.

Co-featured on the Risen Star program is the Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes, and Alejandro is carrying the genetic torch for the great Rachel Alexandra. He starts in race 4, a 1 1/6-mile maiden race for 3-year-olds.

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Rachel Alexandra produced two foals, Jess’s Dream and Rachel’s Valentina, but experienced foaling complications with both and was taken out of broodmare duty to protect her health. Rachel’s Valentina won the Grade 1 Spinaway during her six-start racing career before being retired as a broodmare, and Alejandro, by Curlin, is her first foal.

Alejandro, trained by Steve Asmussen, raced twice as a 2-year-old, finishing an even fourth going seven furlongs in his career debut Sept. 24 at Churchill before improving second time out when a distant second behind leading Kentucky Derby prospect Caddo River in a Nov. 15 Churchill route race. Alejandro worked at Churchill two weeks after his most recent start, came to Fair Grounds soon after, and has logged 10 breezes in New Orleans preparing for Saturday’s race.

“He’s been able to pick it up, back off, and pick it up again. I think we ought to run well Saturday,” Asmussen said. “It’s a good spot for him and he’s a talented colt.”