Apple Blossom date changed; Rachel, Zenyatta match-up back in play

Oaklawn President Charles J. Cella announced Thursday that, following conversations with Jess Jackson and Jerry Moss, the Apple Blossom Invitational (G1) is back on.

The race, which was increased to a total purse of $5 million provided both Horse of the Year RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d'Oro) and dual champion ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire]) start, will now be held April 9, the day before the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1), Oaklawn's traditional closing day.

"The most important day in Arkansas sports history has now become the most important two days in Arkansas sports history," Cella said. "This is truly a race for the ages."

Cella reported that he began discussions Wednesday night with both Jackson, co-owner of Rachel Alexandra, and Zenyatta owner Jerry Moss, immediately upon hearing that the original date of April 3 was not feasible. Those discussions continued into Thursday morning.

"I understand the concerns of all competitors in needing a prep race and properly preparing for a race of this magnitude, especially in light of the weather we've been experiencing recently around the country," Cella said. "Both parties want this to happen when their champions are at their absolute peak. This date makes that possible."

"We are delighted that the race is on for April 9 and want to especially thank Charles Cella and Oaklawn for moving the date," Jackson stated.

On Wednesday, Jackson announced that his star filly would not compete in the Apple Blossom due to the fact that she might not have adequate time to prepare for the big race.

"Out of respect for the level of competition and the importance of this race, I have told Mr. Jackson it was not in the best interest of the horse to race on April 3," trainer Steve Asmussen explained. "Getting to this level of fitness after a six-month layoff takes time. If all goes according to schedule, and we do not have any further weather delays, the earliest we could have a prep race would be the middle of March. It is then not fair to Rachel to ask her to race again three weeks later."

Jackson instead was calling for a three-race series between now and November in which Rachel Alexandra would meet Zenyatta.

While Rachel Alexandra's connections have not yet announced when she could make her four-year-old bow, Zenyatta is tentatively scheduled to make her 2010 debut in the Santa Margarita H. (G1) on March 13 at Santa Anita.