Simply Joking scratched from Rachel Alexandra Stakes

Simply Joking, who has begun her career with two stakes wins and is an early Kentucky Oaks hopeful, was scratched from an intended start in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes on Saturday at Fair Grounds.

Her trainer, Whit Beckman, said in a text message that Simply Joking was off her feed Thursday. Blood tests returned Friday showed that Simply Joking was fighting an illness, which led to the scratch.

“Caught it early but bad timing for sure,” Beckman said.

Simply Joking won the six-furlong Letellier Stakes making her debut in December and scored a front-running victory last month in the two-turn Silverbulletday Stakes.

Another key contender, Ballerina d’Oro, got sick last weekend and didn’t shop from Florida for the Rachel Alexandra.

Anonima, a fringe player, was also scratched, leaving undefeated Good Cheer as an overwhelming favorite to beat just three rivals.

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