Rachel Alexandra fires bullet six furlongs at Churchill

Reigning Horse of the Year RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d'Oro) worked six

furlongs in a bullet 1:12, breezing, on Monday in her second major training move

since returning to her home base at Churchill Downs.

Under regular exercise rider Dominic Terry, the Steve Asmussen trainee posted

fractions of :12 4/5, :25 2/5, :37 1/5, :48 2/5 and 1:00 1/5. Rachel Alexandra

galloped out seven furlongs in 1:25 1/5.

The move was the fastest of seven at the six-furlong distance. In terms of

comparison, two other Asmussen-trained stars -- the brilliant three-year-old

filly Hot Dixie Chick (Dixie Union) and 2009 Louisiana Derby (G2) and beaten

Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite Friesan Fire (A.P. Indy) -- also breezed six

furlongs. Hot Dixie Chick was timed in 1:13 2/5, and Friesan Fire covered the

distance in 1:12 4/5.

"I was very pleased with her work," Asmussen said. "She looks happy, and she

cooled out great.  It was a very strong move."

Rachel Alexandra, shown winning the 2009 Kentucky Oaks (G1) by a record 20 1/4

lengths over the same track nearly a year ago, turned in a solid five-furlong

work in 1:00 1/5 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:14 a week earlier in her

first work at Churchill Downs since last fall. But Monday's move was stronger

throughout, and Asmussen said his team would be looking at how she recovers from

it as the filly's next racing step is assessed.