As the racing world speculates on where Triple Crown champion American Pharoah will run next, and with the Haskell Invitational (gr. I) looming as the most likely option, now seems like an ideal time to recall one of the most amazing Haskells of all time, that being the 2009 renewal that was won in decisive fashion by the filly Rachel Alexandra. Having already won the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and Mother Goose Stakes (gr. I) by about twenty lengths apiece–those victories sandwiching a triumph over colts in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I)–Rachel Alexandra was heavily favored in the Haskell to defeat Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Summer Bird, and she more than lived up to expectations. After tracking the talented sprinter Munnings through fractions of :22.99, :46.43, and 1:09.92, Rachel Alexandra took command and drew off to defeat Summer Bird by six lengths in the blazing time of 1:47.21 over a sloppy track, missing the track record by just 0.41 seconds. Relive the race by watching the replay!
