Plenty of options for Rachel

Trainer Steve Asmussen has a choice of five races for superfilly Rachel Alexandra following her latest victory over the colts in the Haskell Invitational on August 2.

The Travers Stakes, Saratoga's ‘Midsummer Derby' on August 29, has long been a possible target for Rachel Alexandra, who would be set to face both Mine That Bird and Summer Bird, which would mean a clash between the winners of all three legs of the Triple Crown.

Three of the other options are also scheduled for Saratoga. Likely to provide easier pickings is the Alabama Stakes, a 1m2f event confined to three-year-old fillies on August 22, or the Personal Ensign against older fillies and mares on August 30.

The Woodward Stakes on September 5 would mean a clash with older males- not the strongest division in the US this season - but a new alternative is the Pennsylvania Derby at Philadelphia Park on Monday, September 7.

Although the Philly race, open to males and females, is only a Grade 2, it offers $1m in prize-money.

The Preakness Stakes winner reportedly emerged form her latest half-mile workout at Saratoga in "great" shape according to Asmussen's assistant Scott Blasi.

It's like she's got anything to be afraid of, is there? Unless there's a problem with the trip or surface she might as well be aimed at the 'best' races. Of that lot, it would be the Travers, wouldn't it?

Doesn`t the philly race make sense? $1m and only a grp2,sure it will be a tiny field and easy pickings?

What's the prize money like for the other races?

Just saying that there's little for her to be afraid of, even amongst the older males. Still, no need to rush her. If the other races aren't worth much more than $1m, then sure, why not take the Gr2? I guess they'll be aiming for a BC race in November as well.

Sure they have said she won`t be running at the breeders cup? trainer or owner dislikes the surface or track, has that been resolved?

Ah, no idea. Pity about that. Would've been good to see her there.