Rachel Tops Fleur de Lis

medlock - this is one of those time that I agree 100%. Today is either a new beginning or the end. There is no question about it, no excuses, no tears, no bull. I do believe that her grueling campaign last year and the absurd incompetence by her connections this year may have or have hurt this fine mare. People really don't understand how grueling her campaign last year were and how reckless her lack of training were this year. Clown who bash a horse as though she actually had some input or was consulted in any of this, who insinuate that somehow she plotted to cheat some other horse, just makes me crazy. She's a horse try to please her handlers, doing the best she can with whats going on around her. She is a great horse and nothing anyone says or does changes that. It amazes me that so many are willing to shame themselves by bashing a horse, if you mad or angry bash her connections. Celebrate the horse.

I agree medlocke. There is pressure on Rachel to win and look good doing it. If she goes down in flames her racing career may be over. Hope she bounces back with an impressive score so the Rachel-Zenyatta dream race can get back on track.

Personally, I think there's a ton of pressure on Calvin Borel to get Rachel Alexandra home first today at Churchill Downs. I really believe Rachel Alexandra's future in racing could very well hang in the balance today in a win or a loss. Given the accomplishments that she achieved in 2009, three straight losses in 2010 to Grade 2 or below company fillies and mares would certainly have Jess Jackson and Steve Asmussen scratching their heads as to the legitimate fitness of their filly, I would think? I think the grueling campaign she ran in 2009 has reared it's ugly head in her fitness level for 2010. But, should Rachel Alexandra win? And win impressively? Then we could potentially see her moved ahead to future Grade 1 races. Whether or not those races would include racing against all male field's again? I really don't know?