'TDN Rising Star' Rachel's Valentina (Bernardini) had her first work at Keeneland Thursday since finishing second, beaten a neck, in the GI Central Bank Ashland S. Apr. 9. The daughter of Hall of Fame nominee Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro) figures to be among the favorites for the GI Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs May 6. Working in company with stablemate Gimlet (Lemon Drop Kid), last year's GI Spinaway S. winner and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies runner-up was clocked in splits of :12.40, :24.80, :48.60 and out in 1:00.60 and 1:13.60. She was piloted for the breeze by exercise rider Adele Bellinger. “[We wanted] just a nice easy breeze against the bridle, and that's what we got,” said Tristan Barry, assistant to trainer Todd Pletcher. “We're very happy with her.”
In other Oaks news, fellow 'Rising Star' Cathryn Sophia (Street Boss) is now being reconsidered for the Oaks following the defection of undefeated champion Songbird (Medaglia d'Oro). The GII Forward Gal S. and GII Davona Dale S. romper, third behind Weep No More (Mineshaft) in the Ashland as the 1-2 favorite, will work at Keeneland Friday before trainer John Servis makes a decision as to whether to point for the Oaks or seven-panel GII Eight Belles S. on the same day.
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