HORSE RACING

• Rachel Alexandra staying loose in Big Easy

  
  

  New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - Less than 12 hours after the New Orleans Saints captured Super Bowl XLIV, the other champion residing in the Big Easy took to the track for a jog.

  Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra took a jog around the Fair Grounds early Monday morning. The four-year-old filly galloped around the track as she prepares for her first race of 2010.

  Monday's gallop came just two days after Rachel worked four-furlongs with exercise rider Dominic Terry. In Saturday's workout the double Eclipse Award winner covered the half-mile in 50 3/5 seconds.

  "She's very special," said trainer Steve Asmussen on Saturday. "I thought she looked beautiful. She went :50 3/5 today off of her :52 the other day. I think that's pretty much the progression that we're expecting." Last Thursday at Oaklawn Park it was announced that the Arkansas track will increase the purse for the Apple Blossom Stakes from $500,000 to $5 million if both Rachel and champion mare Zenyatta start in the April 13 race.

  While the owners of both thoroughbreds have expressed interest in the offer, none have committed themselves to the race.

  Rachel Alexandra is co-owned by Jess Jackson and Harold McCormick, and Zenyatta is owned by Jerry and Ann Moss.

  Zenyatta, who is stabled at Hollywood Park, won the 2008 Apple Blossom while Rachel won two stakes last year at Oaklawn Park.

  02/08 17:04:50 ET