7/24 (MTH): Lady's Secret S. feat. Rachel Alexandra

[Danzig]

just read this, linked on equidaily:


The Rachel Alexandra-Zenyatta matchup could finally take place on Aug. 29 in the Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga.

"We have spoken with Zenyatta's connections regarding races at Saratoga and Belmont," said New York Racing Association president and CEO Charles Hayward, who noted that the Personal Ensign would remain at the mile-and one-quarter distance.

The purse is currently $400,000, but that could increase. NYRA increased the purse of last year's Woodward from $500,000 to $750,000 to get Rachel to race at Saratoga.

But Hayward added: "It's too early to speculate on the purse."

With concerns over the synthetic surface at Del Mar, Zenyatta connections still haven't made up their mind where the big mare will start next, while Rachel Alexandra's camp indicated there's a good chance she'll start next at the Spa.

"I have no idea," said Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs, the wife of trainer John Shirreffs and the racing manager for Jerry and Ann Moss, who own the undefeated Zenyatta. "We're trying to decide that. We have not confirmed anything yet. We're looking at several options."

Zenyatta, 17-for-17 in her career, was pointing to a start in the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar on Aug. 7, a race she has won the past two years.