Zardana in an Absolute Shocker!

Reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra got beat by John Shirreffs other filly Zardana in an absolute shocker in the New Orleans Ladies' Stakes.

What was expected to be an easy return race for Rachel Alexandra turned into one of the biggest upsets in recent racing history when Zardana challenged Rachel Alexandra at the top of the stretch and drew off from the champion winning by three quarters of a length at the wire. It was another 11 1/2 lengths to Unfortgotten in third. Fighter Wing and Clear Sailing rounded out the field.

Rachel Alexandra pushed Fighter Wing through early fractions of 23 4/5 sedonds and 47 3/5 seconds. Rachel Alexandra passed that rival easily before being confronted by Zardana at the top of the stretch. Zardana finally got past Rachel Alexandra at the quarter pole and it was another eighth of a mile before the very confident Calvin Borel went to his whip on Rachel Alexandra, by then it was too late.

What this race means to the possible showdown of Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta in the Apple Blossom has not been determined at this time.

Zardana is owned by Arnold Zetcher. She covere the 1 1/16 mile distance in 1:43.55