US Super Filly
Rachel Alexander has done it again. The filly survived a late charge from Macho Again to win the Woodward Stakes. In doing so Rachel Alexander became the first filly to win the race in its 56 runnings and was only the second three year ever to run in the race. This win marked her ninth victory in a row and third against colts, she is the Sea The Stars of the USA.
This wins just adds to the remarkable and historical year Rachel Alexander has had. Highlights included winning the Kentucky Oaks by a record 20 1/4 lengths, becoming the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness Stakes, and and beating the boys at the Haskell Invitational.
As for when Rachel Alexander will race again the answer is unknown. Her owner, Jess Jackson, has already stated she will not race in the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita and will not therefore have a show down with Sea te Stars. The owner also owns Big Brown and blamed the Santa Anita surface for his defeat last year.
I had an email today from a reader (Terry Welsh) who says
As you say in Racing Diary, Sea the Stars is brilliant and the television is spectacular, but today that race at Leopardstown seems a little low key. The highlights of the flat racing century for me have happened this year in America. television so spectacular, commentary so exciting, it makes our presentations look so staid. The response in the States from the public seems to have been tremendous, crowds are applauding her in the paddock, souvenir sellers are cashing in, what would the BHA give for such a phenomonen, a marketing dream? In the offchance that some of your readers may have missed them, could you direct them to the Kentucky Oaks, the Preakness, the Haskell and the Woodward?
We certainly can Terry, see below. However I would argue that the public has reacted hugely to Sea The Stars both here and in Ireland. I saw the reaction first hand at York and John Oxx said he had never seen a reaction like it in Ireland. As for the TV coverage, it’s all a matter of taste. I personally don’t like the way the Americans do it, but you can decide for yourself. Here are Rachel Alexander’s big wins (from YouTube).
The 2009 Preakness Stakes;
Kentucky Oaks (US Version)
The Haskell
Mother Goose Stakes
Woodward Stakes
Some Filly! Compare the run with the TV coverage of the Irish Champion Stakes
Personally I take Dessie and Sea The Stars! You watch Sea The Stars and listen to the commentary and the US coverage does not even come close, in my view. Perhaps it is because I am not American. There is no denying the quality of Rachel Alexander, she is a special filly alrigh but would’t it be amazing to see here race against Sea The Stars at Santa Anita?
