Few Willing to Face Rachel Alexandra

Less than a week remains before Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra runs in the $400,000 Lady’s Secret Stakes at Monmouth Park and the field for the mile and a eighth test is beginning to take shape.

“It looks like she’ll be facing four or five rivals,” said Monmouth Park Racing Secretary Mike Dempsey. “The race will be drawn on Wednesday when we’ll obviously know for sure, but right now my best estimate is a field of five, perhaps six.”

Rachel Alexandra, the reigning Horse of the Year and victress of last year’s Haskell Invitational, is scheduled to ship from Saratoga to Monmouth Park on Tuesday, July 20.

Those considering challenging the champion are Hark, from the Ian Wilkes barn; Queen Martha, trained by Patrick Biancone; Stage Trick, from the Alan Goldberg camp; Starship Angel, a Kiaran McLaughlin-trainee; and Yes She’s a Lady, from team Todd Pletcher.

Named for the 1986 Horse of the Year, the Lady’s Secret Stakes will mark the fourth start this year for Rachel Alexandra, who exits a win in the Fleur de Lis Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 12.

Reserved seats for the July 24th Lady’s Secret Stakes can be purchased by calling 732-571-5563 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.