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There really shouldn't be any excuses for 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra in Saturday's Grade 2 Fleur de Lis at Churchill Downs. This is the third time this spring she's drawn into a field that she dominates on paper. But, of course, they don't run on paper.
Made for Magic has won one graded race in her career (Grade 2 Milady), and she's the only filly in the field other than Rachel to have that honor. The best finish in a graded stake by Multipass was 7th in the Grade 1 Gazelle. Distinctive Dave finished 4th in this year's Grade 2 LaTroienne and 5th in last year's Fleur de Lis. Finally, Jessica is Back finished 2nd in the Sixty Sails Handicap at Hawthorne last time out.
Not only should Rachel beat this group, she should crush them.
The morning line odds aren't out yet but Rachel has got to be 1/5 against this field. ML Odds are now up and Rachel is 2/5.
PP Horse Jockey Trainer ML 1 Multipass Lexcano, J. Kenneally, E. 15/1 2 Made for Magic Berrio, O. Avila, A. 10/1 3 Distinctive Dave Albarado, R. Dollase, W. 12/1 4 Rachel Alexandra Borel, C. Asmussen, S. 2/5 5 Jessica is Back Gomez, G. Wolfson, M. 4/1