Horse Racing News by Abram Himelstein

Rachel Alexandra had her final work for Saturday's New Orleans Ladies at Fair Grounds, going a half-mile in 49 seconds there Monday. A few hours later, she drew post 2 in a field of five fillies and mares in the 1 1/16-mile race.

With Rachel Alexandra pointed to return in next Saturday's New Orleans Ladies, the race is shaping up as an intimate affair, with five fillies or mares likely to run.

Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra will make her first start of the year in the March 13 New Orleans Ladies in preparation for her scheduled race against Zenyatta in the April 9 Apple Blossom.

Rachel Alexandra worked Sunday morning for the first time since her Sept. 5 victory in the Woodward, going a half-mile in 52 seconds at Fair Grounds.