Rachel arrives at Fair Grounds

Rachel Alexandra arrived by van at the Fair Grounds late Friday afternoon, joining the rest of Steve Asmussen's string in New Orleans. Rachel Alexandra had been headquartered in Assmussen's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Rachel Alexandra began jogging at Churchill Downs last week after being given a rest following her victory in the Sept. 5 Woodward at Saratoga. Asmussen said that he has no immediate plans to work Rachel Alexandra.

"Nothing's scheduled," he said. "She won't work for a long time. She's only galloped four miles since she has been under tack."

Rachel Alexandra joins Friesan Fire, the 2009 Louisiana Derby winner, in Asmussen's barn. This is the second time in three years Asmussen has brought one of the country's best horses to Fair Grounds to prepare for an upcoming campaign. In 2007, Asmussen eased Curlin back into training at Fair Grounds in preparation for two races in Dubai, including his victory in the 2008 Dubai World Cup.

Rachel Alexandra, a 3-year-old filly owned by Jess Jackson, is in a two-way competition with Zenyatta for 2009 Horse of the Year. She was a perfect 8 for 8 in 2009, including victories over males in the Preakness, the Haskell Invitational, and the Woodward. She also won the Kentucky Oaks by a record 20 1/4 lengths.