Owner says Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra to skip Breeders’ Cup; cites synthetic surface

Owner: Rachel Alexandra to skip Breeders’ Cup

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Horse racing fans eager to see filly Rachel Alexandra run in the Breeders’ Cup will have to wait until next year.

Owner Jess Jackson said during a conference call Tuesday he’s “firm” in his decision to keep the Preakness winner from this fall’s Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.

Jackson cited concerns about the synthetic surface at Santa Anita as the main reason for skipping the event, but remains hopeful Rachel Alexandra will be able to run in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup on the dirt at Churchill Downs.

Rachel Alexandra has won seven straight races heading into the $1.25 million Haskell Invitational at New Jersey’s Monmouth Park. Jackson said his filly is in top shape and ready to race Sunday against a field that will include Belmont winner Summer Bird.