Handicapper's Corner: Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2)

Eight Fillies Seeking Superheroine Status in Rachel Alexandra

By: Michael Mills, ThoroFan

Eight 3-year-old fillies make up the field for the Grade II $200,000 Rachel Alexandra Stakes to be run at one-mile-and-a-sixteenth at the Fair Grounds Saturday. The Rachel Alexandra Stakes is named in honor of the 2009 Horse of the Year who was simply outstanding as a 3-year as she claimed victory in the Gr. I Kentucky Oaks, and Grade I victories in Preakness Stakes, the Haskell Invitational and the Woodward Stakes (all against the boys).  Is there another Rachel in the making here?

Saturday’s race appears to have a great deal of pace with several speed types signed on leading me to believe the victress with come from off the pace.

#8 Monomoy Girl, 8-5 on the morning line, got a two-turn race under her belt last out in the Gr. II Golden Rod Stakes setting the pace but getting beat on the wire.  Should be on or near the pace, but not sure this girl really wants to go beyond one mile.

#4 Wonder Gadot, 4-1, with 6-lifetime starts has already earned 14 points toward a run in the Kentucky Oaks and will be looking to sit just off the pace with Johnny V in for the ride.

#3 Classy Act, 6-1, will have the services of jockey Javier Castellano for the first time.  She has a win over the track, speed to get into the running right away, and is breed to enjoy the distance.

#2 Testing One Two, 6-1, the Louisiana bred filly is looking for her 4th straight victory.  Two back she relished the one-mile distance winning by 16 lengths.  This filly just might be the real deal, and an anticipated quick pace may be to her advantage.

The Pick

#2 Testing One Two……. from off the pace…. would love to get 6-1 but thinking the price will be much lower.

#8 Monomoy Girl……. hangs on for second

The Plays

$40 Win and Place #2

$5 EB 2/3/8

Have a Day!