Depaul - the horse that Brian was on - wasn't even on the lead behind a 49.94 half mile split by the pace setter in his last race.

I bet they'll put a little faster horse in front of her next time. No?

I am not sure why anyone wouldnt think this was not an acceptable work. Terry took a hard hold of her early and was seemingly and understandably worried that she would run off with him. She is not a horse that works in company very often and as Alan said it is Rachel Alexandra trying to work behind a 51 second half mile. She never really settled and seemed kind of resentful for being held so hard for so long but with those fractions, in company isnt that what you would expect? Her gallop out was good and as long as she came out ok I didnt see anything else that would make me think she didnt get a little something out of it.

yea, it does amaze me sometimes when they match these horses up in works. I think Pletchers the only one these days who matches up stakes horses with stakes horses.

Yeah ... and even if you're going to use a cheap horse ... why not use a cheaper horse with a little more natural speed?

It's hard to blame the guy in front for going 51 flat in a morning workout - when he's on top of a horse who went 50 in his last race and faded.

I have no idea what other horses Jackson has at FG or if Depaul is even owned by him but some owners wouldnt look kindly on using their horse as a promptor for another guys horse. Especially if they are going to get smoked.

Was this work between races or in the morning?

So what your saying is that if Dom had yelled at Brian to pick it up some, it's most likely he would not have had enough horse to do so...lol...

Do you really learn anything though?

From a betting standpoint ... I think viewing the work was a 100% waste of time. It told me nothing ... other than that RA seems quite a bit superior to some crow 3yo.

He's owned by Third Street Partners.

I do think she may "get someting out of it" but................ she has put on at least a hundred pounds since last seen and she has short written all over her with only a Assmussen Monday half before competition.

The disturbing items during that work are notable ( notwithstanding the work 2/12/10 when even nickle claimers did not work because of the surface) with the position of her head at certain points indicating a lack of fitness.

Being rank early is OK, but Dominic badly lost his balance early in the work then took a bigger hold. As soon as she caught the punching bag she tossed her head and he had to grab some serious left hand rein. Approaching the wire is interesting; is she lugging in; fitness........... OR .........is he asking her by intentionally moving to the rail?? The down sticks after the wire; are clearly a sign that she is short.

Just viewing that one work? No I dont think there was much to learn that everyone didnt already know.

You are seeing a whole lot more signs than the rest of us. The gallop out with the smacks on the shoulder were almost certainly planned. It is pretty obvious in reading Steve's comments and the fact he felt the need to work her in company that he was looking for a strong work. If they dont get tired in the morning they will get tired in the afternoon.

Totally agree. The question is is she fit enough to win after the break, and at least at this point the answer is no...pending. How often have you had a short horse win?

Off of viewing one work on video it would be presumptious of me to act like I have any idea how fit the filly is. She may not be dead fit going into the race but she has that other little thing that will usually carry them through. Talent.
And I have had a few horses over the years that I thought were a little short off of a layoff win.

Were they under class or did you misjudge their level of fitness?

It is an inexact science with a lot of variables. Every horse and situation is different. The results dont often show how fit a horse is. It is the length of recovery after the race that is telling.

Rachel shouldn't be dead fit 4 weeks awayfrom her first start since 9/09..If she was then her trainer would be a moron and he has won way too many races to be considered that..

I believe her 1st start is next week

I suppose I meant her showdown with the Clysdale

Could not agree more and appreciate your prompt, knowledgably responses. Nevertheless, betting against her makes big time sense, at least on the surface. She is probably fifty-fifty to win at best, although the weights are in her favor. What do you make of the figure eight, as i have heard its new.

I have no opinion on the figure 8. Figure 8's, shadow rolls, nosebands are pretty meaningless except for specific cases.

There wont be many cases to be made to bet on her, no?