Trainer:Steve Asmussen Jockey:Calvin Borel Foaling Date: 1-29-2006 Pedigree: Medaglia d'Oro - Lotta Kim by Roar Dosage Profile: 3-2-7-2-0 Dosage Index/CD: 1.55 0.43 2008 Record: 6 Starts: 3 - 1 - 0, $201,440 Best Beyer Figure: 108 Note: As a 2-year-old she only raced in Kentucky, breaking her maiden at Churchill Downs, winning an allowance at Keeneland, and finishing 2nd in two stakes and winning her final start of 2008 in the Golden Rod, all at Churchill Downs. Won her 2009 debut in the Martha Washington at Oaklawn, then won the Fair Grounds Oaks, and the Fantasy back at Oaklawn. Was a heavy favorite in the Kentucky Oaks and did not disappoint, winning by a record 20 1/4 lengths (photo at right).
Purchased from her original owners, Mike Lauffer and Dolphus Morrison, by Stonestreet Stable on May 6, 2009, for an undisclosed amount and moved from the barn of trainer Hal Wiggins to Steve Asmussen. They paid the $100,000 supplement fee to run her in the Preakness and she did not disappoint, taking the lead shortly after the start and never looking back. After much consideration, on May 29 they finally announced their decision to skip the Belmont. Majority owner Jess Jackson said, "Since March 14, Rachel has won four graded races with just two weeks rest between her last two victories. We will always put her long-term well-being first. And, of course, we want to run her when she is fresh."
Her next start was the Mother Goose Stakes on June 27, where only 2 overmatched fillies ran against her. She drew off to win easily by 19 1/4 lengths in stakes record time of 1:46.33, only 0.93 seconds off Secretariat's track record.
Rachel returned to the track in the Haskell Invitational where she ran off to win by 6 lengths over Belmont winner Summer Bird. They didn't say where she was going next, only that she wasn't going to the Breeders' Cup.
Oxbow upsets in the Preakness - Oxbow led the entire way in the Preakness Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Pimlico with Itsmyluckyday second and Mylute third. Heavy favorite Orb made a mild move to finish fourth. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Preakness undercard stakes results - There were 7 other stakes on the card, highlighted by the Dixie Stakes (G2) won by Skyring and the Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes (G3) won by Summer Applause. Get the results, charts, and photos for 6 of the races here.
Fiftyshadesofhay wins the Black-Eyed Susan - Fiftyshadesofhay just got up to win the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) on Friday at Pimlico by a neck over Marathon Lady with favorite Emollient 6th. On the undercard, Last Gunfighter won the Pimlico Special (G3). Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Analyzing the Preakness Stakes Contenders for 2013 - My annual analysis using popular angles and statistical trends to see who best matches the profile of a Preakness winner. The big surprise is that Kentucky Derby winner Orb is not in the top group!
Orb wins the Kentucky Derby - Orb was far back early but took the lead in the stretch and drew off to win the Kentucky Derby (G1) by 2 1/2 lengths over longshot Golden Soul and Revolutionary. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
More Kentucky Derby Photos - More photos from the day including more of Orb, the trophy, the roses, Martina McBride, and lots of mud.
Kentucky Derby undercard stakes results - There were 5 other stakes on Derby day including the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1) won by 2012 Horse of the Year Wise Dan and the Humana Distaff Stakes (G1) won by Aubby K. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 5 races here.
Princess of Sylmar upsets in the Kentucky Oaks - She rallied from far back to win the Kentucky Oaks by a half length over Beholder and Unlimited Budget, while favorite Dreaming of Julia was fourth. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Kentucky Oaks undercard stakes results - There were 5 other stakes on Oaks day including the La Troienne Stakes (G2) won by Authenticity and the Alysheba Stakes (G3) won by Take Charge Indy. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 5 races here.
Wednesday Kentucky Derby Workout Photos - Photos and comments for 18 Derby horses, everyone on the grounds except the one in quarantine, and 6 Oaks fillies from this morning on the track.
Kentucky Oaks Entries - A field of 11 fillies will go, with Gulfstream Oaks winner Dreaming of Julia favorite at 3-1 from post 8. Get the post positions, odds, and free past performances here.
Top Kentucky Derby Contenders - my list of the top horses headed to the Derby with profiles for each with photos, stats, and link to more info like past performances and pedigree.
Analyzing the top 2013 Kentucky Derby contenders - My annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner by matching each to the profile of a Kentucky Derby winner using many of the more popular angles and statistical trends. This year there were is a 3-way tie for the top spot: Goldencents, Normandy Invasion, and Overanalyze.
2013 Kentucky Derby And Oaks Security - New enhanced stricter rules will be enforced this year. Be sure to read the rules as many have changed and more things are banned. There will still be magnetic wand searches of all patrons and many things are no longer allowed. Check here to make sure you don't bring anything they will confiscate.
Review: Triple Crown Handicapper 2013 - by Jim Mazur. Includes lots of stats for all 3 races and explains how to use a system of statistically derived negative angles to eliminate the "bad" picks.
Review: Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments - Commemorative DVD from Churchill Downs with video from 27 different runnings along with interviews, photos, and historical info. Definitely recommended for any racing fan!
Review: Churchill Downs - America's Most Historic Racetrack by Kimberly Gatto. An entertaining and informative account of the history of the track and it's most famous race, the Kentucky Derby, with lots of photos. Definitely recommended.
