'Very good work' for Rachel Alexandra

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Rachel Alexandra had another serious Monday workout at Churchill Downs, going six furlongs in 1:12 over a fast track. Afterward, trainer Steve Asmussen once again declined to commit the 2009 Horse of the Year to an upcoming race.

Stepping onto the track just before daybreak at about 6:30 a.m., and with regular exercise rider Dominic Terry aboard, Rachel Alexandra went in splits of 12.80, 25.40, 37.20, 48.40, and 1:00, galloping out seven furlongs in 1:25.20.

"She looked good," said Asmussen. "It was a very good work for her."

Asked when or where the filly might race again, Asmussen broke into a grin because he has steadfastly maintained for weeks that no immediate decisions are forthcoming.

"We're just trying to get her back to where she was," he reiterated.

Rachel Alexandra followed her 8-for-8 season in 2009 with a stunning defeat at 1-20 odds in her 4-year-old debut, the March 13 New Orleans Ladies at Fair Grounds. She worked twice at Fair Grounds following that race before arriving March 30 at Churchill, where she worked five furlongs last Monday, April 5.

The $400,000 La Troienne Stakes on Kentucky Oaks Day, April 30, had been widely speculated as the next possible start for the filly, but it appears less likely as that date draws nearer that she will run in that Grade 2 race at 1 1/16 miles. Asmussen has said he intends to have Rachel Alexandra work every Monday until further notice.