Zenyatta/Rachel Alexandra Showdown Off

Published: March 15, 2010 09:57 am EDT

If you thought that a Zenyatta/Rachel Alexandra showdown would be coming to fruition in Oaklawn Park's inflated $5 million Apple Blossom Handicap on April 9, think

again.

According to a report on nytimes.com, the connections of Rachel Alexandra have stated that the lass will not be heading to the Apple Blossom. The confirmation came yesterday, one day after Rachel Alexandra finished second to Zardana in her seasonal debut in the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies at Fair Grounds Race Course.

"Yesterday's race, while a disappointment, helped us define Rachel Alexandra's racing condition," Rachel Alexandra's owner, Jess Jackson, said via statement. "While she is healthy, just as I had anticipated, she is not in top form. Therefore, I decided today she will not be going (to the Apple Blossom)."

Zenyatta was sharp in her 2010 debut on Saturday, as she came on in the late stages to capture the Grade 1 $250,000 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap at Santa Anita.

"We're disappointed that we're not going to be able to face each other in the Apple Blossom," Zenyatta's co-owner, Jerry Moss, was quoted as saying. "Hopefully, we can meet down the line. We respect both Steve (Asmussen) and Mr. Jackson as horsemen and they're going to do what's right for their horse. That's all anybody could ask for."

To watch the replays of the mares' respective races, click here.

(With files from nytimes.com)

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