The Woodward for Rachel Alexandra is the right race for a few reasons. And they all make solid sense.
First, connections have Kensei who is in top form right now, and, of all the other horses in the Travers, stands a good chance in the very least to hit the board with a solid effort in the Travers. With a victory in the Travers he would certainly rocket up in value as a stallion. You have to admit, Jess Jackson has a pretty good hand right now. The ducking talk is a weak argument, especially for a horse the caliber of Rachel Alexandra. She has already proven she is a spectacular filly.
Rachel Alexandra has already done just about everything a filly can do. She has defeated her own and the colts. The Woodward is another opportunity for her to do something new and great, defeat the older handicap horses and become the first filly in history to win the Woodward.
There is no doubt that if she did run in the Travers she would be facing her stiffest challenge yet in the likes of Quality Road, but there is no urgency there to prove anything. It would be a tougher race for her. And with that being said Quality Road would face the best horse he has seen to date as well. No one is ducking anyone.
A lot of people wanted to see it, but from the business perspective it makes more sense for Jess Jackson to select the Woodward for various reason already mentioned. There is no doubt though, if she ran in the Travers, it would have been a spectacular race. Thee race of the year, up until now.
I’m pretty sure Quality Road’s people are happy they picked the Woodward as well—not because they are afraid or anything—but let’s face it, the path to victory in the Travers is a lot easier with her not running in it.
And the other big positive here is the fact you have two stars that will remain separated in different races. That is actually a good thing for everyone. They both get the spotlight on different days. It helps Saratoga, racing, and just everyone else.
So sit back, get the wagers ready to go, and watch Thoroughbred Racing’s best close out another spectacular summer season of racing at Saratoga. It does not get much better than this.
**Travers Preview Coming Soon**
