Sportswriter isn’t the only equine superstar who will be making his next start on New Jersey soil, so will thoroughbred sensation Rachel Alexandra
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The Meadowlands Pace eliminations are up next for Pepsi NA Cup champ Sportswriter, while Rachel Alexandra, who electrified Monmouth Park with her victory in last season’s Haskell Invitational (G1) en route to being named America’s Horse of the Year 2009, will return to the scene of her triumph on Saturday, July 24, in the Lady’s Secret Stakes at a mile and an eighth.
Jess Jackson, who owns the four-year-old filly by Medaglia d’Oro in partnership with Harold McCormick, confirmed Thursday that Rachel Alexandra will make Monmouth her next stop as she pursues another title in 2010.
“We had a great experience at Monmouth Park,” Jackson said, “and we appreciate the overwhelming show of support the fans there have given us. It’s the perfect place to start what we hope will be another championship run.”
Rachel Alexandra sealed her Horse of the Year 2009 title with victories over colts in the Preakness and Haskell Invitational, and a win over older males in the Woodward at Saratoga.
This year, she ran second twice before capturing the Fleur de Lis Handicap at Churchill Downs on June 12.
The Lady’s Secret was originally scheduled to be run on Aug. 1 as part of the Haskell Day card. However, with Rachel Alexandra running, the race has been moved to July 24, and the purse has been increased to $400,000. If Rachel Alexandra is unable to compete in the Lady’s Secret, the purse will revert to the originally scheduled $150,000.
(With files from Monmouth Park)