Rachel Alexandra set for Mother Goose

By David Grening
Daily Racing Form

ELMONT, N.Y. - As expected, Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra will make her next start in the Grade 1, $300,000 Mother Goose at Belmont Park on June 27, her connections announced on Wednesday.

It will be Rachel Alexandra's first start since she beat the boys in the Preakness on May 16, her fifth consecutive victory. She is expected to arrive at Belmont on Tuesday after having her final breeze at Churchill Downs on Monday.

"Rachel is rested, healthy, and ready to run," co-owner Jess Jackson said in a press release issued Wednesday morning. On Monday, she turned in a very strong six-furlong work, galloping out seven furlongs around the clubhouse turn in 1:24.80.

The Mother Goose, a one-turn race at 1 1/8 miles, will mark Rachel Alexandra's first race against fillies since won the Kentucky Oaks by 20 1/4 lengths on May 1.

The Mother Goose closed with 24 nominations. Among those confirmed to face Rachel Alexandra in the Mother Goose are Nassau County Stakes winner Flashing, owned by Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum's Godolphin Racing, and Malibu Prayer, a Malibu Moon filly who has won her last two starts by a combined 20 1/4 lengths for owner Edward Evans and trainer Todd Pletcher.