2023 Rachel Alexandra Stakes at a Glance

Racing
Hoosier Philly hopes to continue her march to the Kentucky Oaks -- or perhaps the Kentucky Derby -- with a win in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes Saturday at Fair Grounds. (Candice Chavez/Eclipse Sportswire)

The $300,000 Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes presented by Fasig-Tipton is considered a prep race for the Longines Kentucky Oaks with 50-20-15-10-5 qualifying points awarded to the top five finishers. Yet this year it should also have some impact on the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve as the field of six includes undefeated Hoosier Philly, who has been mentioned as a possibility for the Run for the Roses. A win here would certainly give her connections more of a reason to run on Saturday instead of Friday on the first weekend in May.

rACHEL ALEXANDRA STAKES

Racetrack: Fair Grounds, New Orleans

Date: Feb. 18

Purse: $300,000

Distance: 1 1/16 miles

Race: 12

Post Time: 5:41 p.m. Central

Notable winners: Clairiere (2021), Serengeti Empress (2019), Monomoy Girl (2018), Untapable (2014), Take Charge Lady (2002), Tiffany Lass (1986).

First held: 1982

1. Vahva (8-1): Followed up a solid maiden win with a distant third as a 6-5 choice in the Untapable Stakes over this track. Might have bounced off the maiden win and could rebound in a small field here.

JOCKEY: Luis Saez TRAINER: Cherie DeVaux                          

2. Hoosier Philly (6-5): Unbeaten in three starts, she capped her 2-year-old campaign with a pair of stakes wins by a combined 12 1/2 lengths. She has already won twice at this distance and her works indicate she’s primed for a big effort in her 2023 debut.

JOCKEY: Edgar Morales TRAINER: Tom Amoss

3. Knockyoursocksoff (12-1): She finished five lengths behind Hoosier Philly in the Grade 2 Golden Rod Stakes, which closed out their juvenile seasons. She has a late-running style which could help her down the road but may work against her in a short field here.

JOCKEY: Flavien Prat TRAINER: Chris Block

4. Chop Chop (8-5): Her only poor effort in five career starts came in the NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies when she was last in a field of 13. She started 2023 with a promising second by a length over the track in the Silverbulletday Stakes. She should benefit from that race and looks like the main rival for Hoosier Philly.

JOCKEY: Florent Geroux TRAINER: Brad Cox

5. Pretty Mischievous (9-2): She was third in the Golden Rod Stakes, suffering her lone loss, and then romped in the Untapable back in December. If she takes a step forward as a 3-year-old, she will surely have a big say in the outcome.

JOCKEY: Tyler Gaffalione TRAINER: Brendan Walsh

6. Miracle (12-1): Has been competitive in New York State-bred stakes but picks a tough spot to face open company for the first time. Will need to step up her game a peg to be a factor here.

JOCKEY: John Velazquez TRAINER: Todd Pletcher

THE PICK: Hoosier Philly

LIVE LONGSHOT: Vahva

SUPERFECTA: 2-4-5-1

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