Rachel Alexandra Filly Wins Debut

Rachel's Valentina made her debut count, winning the race by 1 1/2 lengths. (Photos by Coglinese Photos/Susie Raisher)
Rachel’s Valentina, the first foal out of Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra to race, made her connections proud on Sunday at Saratoga when breaking her maiden in her debut.
Trained by Todd Pletcher, Rachel’s Valentina was slow to break from the gate for jockey John Velazquez. After a few strides, she settled into midpack the back break didn’t seem to hurt her as the field went around the turn of the six furlong race, coming up to challenge Awesome Dame in the stretch.
In the end, Rachel’s Valentina proved to be too good for Awesome Dame, passing her in the final furlong to win the race by 1 ½ lengths. The filly covered the six furlongs in a time of 1:10.39 and paid $4.10 to win at even money odds.
"I thought she ran fantastic. We were a little concerned that six [furlongs] might be a little quick for her but she's just so professional and talented ... Before and after the race, it was everything you can hope for in a debut," said trainer Todd Pletcher. "I think there's time [to make the Spinaway Stakes on Sept. 5]. I'll talk to Barbara [Banke] and everybody and see what they want to do. I think she's a filly that wants to stretch out and run two turns and has a big future, so we won't rush anything."
RACHEL'S VALENTINA'S DEBUT

Video courtesy of the New York Racing Association
Rachel’s Valentina is the second foal out of Rachel Alexandra whose first foal, a 3-year-old colt named Jess’s Dream, is expected to debut later this summer. Rachel’s Valentina and Jess’s Dream are the only two foals out of the 2009 Horse of the Year and Preakness winner, who was pensioned from broodmare duties after suffering health issues.
"She's a very, very special filly. She is a favorite at the farm. We knew she was fast but this was a tough race. I was a little nervous; I'm so glad it went well. She was awesome," said Barbara Banke, who owns Stonestreet Farm and the filly.
Stonestreet Farm was part of the group that campaigned Rachel Alexandra. Rachel’s Valentina is by 2006 Preakness winner and 3-year-old champion Bernardini.
STONESTREET'S BARBARA BANKE LEADS RACHEL'S VALENTINA INTO THE WINNER'S CIRCLE