Terry Wallace
and Rowland Hoyt
Oaklawn Park

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The return of champions Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta for their 2010 campaigns is just over a week away and anticipation is building for the planned showdown between the two superstars in the $5 million Apple Blossom Invitational (G1) on April 9 at Oaklawn Park.

Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra posted her latest workout Tuesday March 2 at her winter base at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Owned by Stonestreet Stable and Harold McCormack, the 4-year-old breezed six furlongs in 1:13 3/5 over a fast track. Her trainer, Steve Asmussen, was pleased with the effort as the 2009 Preakness Stakes (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner readied for the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies Stakes at the Fair Grounds March 13.

“We’re happy with where she’s at,” said Asmussen to reporters following the drill. “The main thing is she’s healthy and this is a step in the process to getting her back to her previous level.”

Asmussen said ‘Rachel’ would log a final half-mile workout next week to complete her preparations for her first start of the year.

In California, Zenyatta breezed six furlongs Feb. 26 at her Hollywood Park base for trainer John Shirreffs. The undefeated 6-year-old winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic stopped watches in 1:13 1/5 over a synthetic surface and under her regular jockey, Hall of Famer Mike Smith.

“It was excellent,” said Smith. “She was just cruising around there. She was very impressive.”

Zenyatta, who races for Jerry and Ann Moss, is being pointed for the $250,000 Santa Margarita Handicap (G1) at Santa Anita Park March 13. Rain has hampered racing and training in Southern California this winter, but Shirreffs says his mare’s timetable hasn’t been affected. In fact, he’s so confident, the prep race could be washed out and he still would be eager for the trip to Oaklawn.

“There aren’t any concerns,” said Shirreffs. “None at all. Generally speaking, March is not a big month for a lot of rain out here, and that’s out of our control, anyway. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. But even if we don’t get a prep, she’d be ready, without a doubt. Did you see her race in the Milady after, what, a nine month layoff? There’s really not much worry.”

Another contender for the Apple Blossom is Venezuelan champion Bambera, who is wintering in South Florida with trainer Pablo Andrade. A scheduled work on Thursday, March 4 at Calder Race Course was postponed a day so jockey Javier Castellano could handle the drill.

Potential positions on the invite list will also be up for grabs in the $150,000 Azeri Stakes on Saturday, March 6 at Oaklawn. The 1 1/16th-mile local prep race will likely feature graded stakes winners Just Jenda and Four Gifts.

Nominations for the Apple Blossom close March 10. From that list, eight competitors will be invited on March 24 to face the two champions. Both must start for the race to be worth $5 million.

Rachel’s 2010 Workouts

All at Fair Grounds
March 2          6f         Fast    1:13 3/5 (:13, :25 3/5, :38 2/5, :51, 1:02 1/5)         breezing
Feb. 24                       6f         Fast    1:14 (:13, :25 1/5, :37 3/5, :49 4/5, 1:02)    breezing
Feb. 18           5f         Fast    1:00 1/5 (:12, :23 4/5, :35 3/5, :47 3/5)                   breezing
Feb. 12           5f         Sloppy            1:03 4/5 (:13 2/5, :26 1/5, :38 3/5, :51 3/5)            breezing
Feb. 6             4f         Fast    :50 3/5                        breezing
Jan. 31                       4f         Fast    :52                   breezing

Zenyatta’s 2009-10 Workouts

All at Hollywood Park on Cushion Track
02/26/10         6F       Fast    01:13.20         Breezing       
02/18/10         6F       Fast    01:14.00         Breezing       
02/11/10         6F       Fast    01:13.80         Breezing       
02/03/10         5F       Fast    01:01.60         Breezing       
01/25/10         5F       Fast    01:00.20         Breezing       
01/17/10         5F       Fast    01:01.40         Breezing       
01/06/10         4F       Fast    :48.00             Handily         
12/21/09         4F       Fast    :49.40             Breezing       
12/07/09         4F       Fast    :50.40             Breezing       

Key Prep Races

Date                Track  Stakes                                                Winner
February 27  GP      Sabin Stakes (G3)                           Aurora Lights                                   
March 6          OP      Azeri Stakes (G3)
March 13       FG       New Orleans Ladies
March 13       SA       Santa Margarita Handicap (G1)
March 20       GP      Rampart Stakes (G3)