Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

No Apple Blossom for Rachel

March 13, 2010

Rachel Alexandra won’t run April 9 in the Apple Blossom at Oaklawn Park, her trainer, Steve Asmussen, said.

“She’s clearly not up to her previous level,” Asmussen said, referring to the reigning Horse of the Year’s loss here Saturday in the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies Stakes at Fair Grounds. Rachel Alexandra finished second, three-quarters of a length behind Zardana. It was Rachel Alexandra’s first loss since November of 2008.

Oaklawn Park had raised the purse of the Apple Blossom to $5 million, contingent, of course, on the participation of Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, the unbeaten winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

“We’re going to regroup and come back again,” Asmussen said. “The disappointment from yesterday continues.”

Despite the loss, Rachel Alexandra came out of Saturday’s race with no negative effects. She ate up Saturday night and rested comfortably. She walked the shedrow calmly, Asmussen said, and seemed very relaxed.