Solid field of 10 for the Rachel Alexandra. Several maiden runners step up in class with classy stakes horses mixed in. The contention runs deep in a wide open betting race.
The Skinny:
Shook Up was rank and headstrong in last race while chasing the lone speed Lovely Marie. Previous effort was a 13 length romp in MSW. Is in the mix but faces other speed pressure and inside post was part of the problem last race and they may not be solved. Not sure she can improve much and needs the lead in what may be a contested pace.
White Clover comes in off two moderate finishes. Maiden win was 5 length victory. Seems slow for this group.
Pleasant Tales picked up a maiden win in 5th lifetime start. Looks slower than many of the main rivals. Needs to run career best to compete with this group.
West Coast Belle opened her career with 3 straight victories and then threw in a clunker in last race. In the Silverbulletday she was at the rail mid pack and just never fired. Some big efforts last fall and I expect a bounce back race and should get enough pace to run at in this field. Expecting an improved performance in this spot.
Lovely Marie is one of 3 speed horses in this race. Pedigree is light to go the distance but is in career form through 5 races. Was able to slow down the fractions in last race and faces more pace pressure from I’m a Chatterbox and Shook Up. Would have to put in a career best to win this race.
Angela Renee needs a perfect set-up to win, not sure she gets that in this spot. Has enough speed to lay close. But with 6 career races not much room for improvement. Comes in off the layoff and ran a good race in career debut. Will be near the front in this spot and should contend into the turn. Not sure if she can improve, think she peaked last year.
Freudie Anne has won 3 of the last 4 and has sharp recent workouts. Fits speed figure wise and runs near the pace. Steps up in class, but running style is perfect for a race like this. Lots to like and odds will be solid for a horse who is sharp.
Forever Unbridled ran on for 2nd in last race in 3rd race of career and 2nd start at the Fairgrounds. Should benefit if a contested pace develops on the front end. Seems to be more of a distance horse than her sister and has some overall talent that hasn’t been tapped yet. On the improve.
Harbour Island steps up off back to back wins and stretches out in distance.
I’m a Chatterbox took advantage of the rail and was sent in the last race, huge race and finished strong. Has run strong races if all 4 career races, but now faces other pace pressure and is outside most of the speed. Good horse, but trying to win against all this speed and from the outside she will have to be 2-3 lengths better than this field and she’s not that talented.
Fair Odds:
I’m a Chatterbox 7/2
Forever Unbridled 7/1
Shook Up 6/1
The Choice:
With a lot of speed in this race, Forever Unbridled may get first run of the closers. Fits speed and class wise and is the choice in wide open race.