California Angel will make 2022 debut in Rachel Alexandra
California Angel, who upset the 2021 Jessamine (G2) at Keeneland to become a fan favorite going into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, will take a second shot on the Kentucky Oaks trail in the Rachel Alexandra (G2), trainer George Leonard told Horse Racing Nation. The California Chrome filly finished sixth in the Untapable at Fair Grounds in her most recent start on Dec. 26.
The Rachel Alexandra, set to go off next Saturday at Fair Grounds, will be the first 50-20-10-5 points-paying race for the Oaks. California Angel will enter the race after putting in a bullet five-furlong work on Friday.
“Was very pleased,” Leonard said of the work in a text message. “She worked well.”
Prior to the Untapable, California Angel ran 11th in the Breeders’ Cup. She scored a 17-1 upset in the Jessamine to get there and had previously broken her maiden at Kentucky Downs in September.
She could face a tall challenge in the Rachel Alexandra, which could include Awake At Midnyte, La Crete and Hidden Connection. The race will draw Saturday.
Leonard did not rule out returning the filly to the grass, where she has seen the greatest success in her young career.
“Just playing it by ear one race at a time,” Leonard said. “I’m sure we will get back to turf sometime.”
California Angel is owned by Chris Walsh. She was a $5,500 purchase at the June 2021 Ocala Breeders’ horses of racing age sale.