Rachel settles in at new barn, still possible for Preakness

Right now racing fans everywhere want to read all they can about Rachel Alexandra, the Kentucky Oaks winner who was recently sold to Curlin owner Jess Jackson for a reported $10 million and might run in the Preakness against the boys on May 16. Here's an update on her, courtesy of the Churchill Downs publicity folks:

RACHEL ALEXANDRA MOVES TO NEW BARN - Stonestreet Stables and Harold McCormick's new purchase Rachel Alexandra began her new life in the care of trainer Steve Asmussen on Thursday morning by galloping once around a sloppy Churchill Downs main track under exercise rider Dominic Terry.

The dominating, 20 ¼-length winner of last Friday's Kentucky Oaks (Grade I), Rachel Alexandra was sold by the L and M Partners of Dolphus Morrison and Michael Lauffer on Wednesday. Rachel Alexandra was transferred from trainer Hal Wiggins' barn to Asmussen's at 5:15 (EDT) Thursday morning.

Jess Jackson, who campaigned two-time Horse of the Year,2007 Preakness (GI) winner and 2008 Stephen Foster Handicap (GI) winner Curlin under his stable colors, was asked what he thought of the latest addition to his stable after her morning exercise.

"She is a graceful athlete; she moves like a ballerina and has the size of some of the colts," Jackson said. "I am looking forward to seeing her compete."

Jackson was asked when the "ballerina" might run next.

"The ink is not even dry yet," Jackson said. "The only decision was to bring her to Steve's barn. No decision has been made on any race or a rider. Basically the same team is in place as we had with Curlin, and like Curlin, we will let her decide when she runs and where she runs."

Asmussen, who saddled Curlin to his Preakness victory, indicated that like most of his runners nine to 10 days after a race, Rachel Alexandra would have her first recorded workout on Sunday or Monday. Terry would be her regular exercise rider and she would go out in the second set, around 6:15, each morning.

"She's a tremendously fast filly," Asmussen said. "Hal (Wiggins) and his team did a tremendous job with her. We just got her today and we have no timetable or any plans to announce at this time."

For Wiggins, Thursday was anything but business as usual.

"They came and got her at 5:15," Wiggins said. "I didn't know anything about it (the sale) until Tuesday night. I hope I see her in the winner's circle many more times."

Racing for Wiggins, Rachel Alexandra compiled a record of 10-7-2-0 with earnings of $958,354. In addition to the Kentucky Oaks triumph, Rachel Alexandra scored Grade II victories in the Fantasy, Fair Grounds Oaks and Golden Rod plus added runner-up finishes in the Grade III Pocahontas and Debutante at Churchill Downs.

"It was pretty tough (this morning)," Wiggins said. "When a horse is injured, that's tough, too. As a trainer, you never know what you will find (in the morning). We will get over it. We were blessed to have her and experience the joy of winning the Oaks here.

"It will be a little hard walking by that stall," Wiggins continued, knowing he will still see her on the track. "It will be a joy to see her. I'll have a smile on my face and a good feeling. I wish the new owners nothing but the best. I know she is in good hands and they will do right by her. I will be pulling for her every time she runs."