Rachel Alexandra gets back to work

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Rachel Alexandra had her first workout since her easy victory in the Fleur de Lis Handicap when she breezed a half-mile in 51.20 seconds under a tight hold early Monday at Churchill Downs.

With Shaun Bridgmohan doing about all he could to slow her down, Rachel Alexandra went in splits of 12.40 and 25.20, with a gallop-out time of 1:05.20 over the fast racing surface, according to Churchill clocker John Nichols. The morning was especially hot and muggy, with the temperature having already reached 80 by the time the filly stepped onto the racetrack shortly before 6:30 a.m.

Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Horse of the Year, posted her first win in three 2010 starts with a 10 1/2-length triumph in the June 12 Fleur de Lis under regular rider Calvin Borel. The 4-year-old filly had finished second in her first two races of the season.

Jess Jackson, majority owner of Rachel Alexandra, waited until day of entry to reveal that she would run in the Fleur de Lis. No announcement on her next race has been made, although obvious options include the Grade 1 filly-mare races at Saratoga, the Aug. 1 Ruffian Handicap and the Aug. 29 Personal Ensign.