SARATOGA RACE COURSE, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2009:

It's game time!!

I've been intentionally quiet this week - a girl needs her rest, after all! - but I wanted to send a quick note of thanks for the lucky wishes and kind comments I've received all week long. I haven't held many audiences over the last few days since I stay pretty secluded on race week, and after my last workout on Monday morning, I've had guests only for my morning gallops and baths.

Once I head back to my stall it's time to focus, and I'm especially appreciative of the respect you've shown for my privacy - you can't put on a proper game face if you're distracted!

I put on my walking shoes to school in the paddock yesterday, which was fabulous! Scott Blasi, my assistant trainer, and my groom, Javier Espinoza, led the walk over with an entourage of my best friends for a "Rachel parade" into the paddock! I couldn't even begin to count how many people were there…let's just say it was a wall of photographers and fans, and despite the throng, I was marvelously composed the entire time. Keeping your head about you is very important, and with the big day just around the corner, I don't want to waste even the tiniest bit of energy!

I'm going to need every ounce of that energy for the Woodward on Saturday- no female has ever won this prestigious race - in fact, only two have ever even finished in the money - Summer Guest ran with the boys in 1972, placing third after being bumped from second via a disqualification, and the last filly to try was Lady's Secret, who ran second to Precisionist in 1986. Both of those ladies ran when the Woodward was held at Belmont still, so I'll be the first to try to take the title over the Saratoga track.

Running with the boys is always a big deal; running with older horses is a huge deal; and running with older boys is seismic! It will be my biggest challenge thus far and I, like many of you, can't wait to see what I'm made of…after all, you can't find out what you're made of by playing it safe and without raising the bar.

I also wanted to mention that the auction ended for my Mother Goose Stakes saddle towel with the winning bid reaching a fantastic $5,800 to benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research. This month you can bid on three pairs of signed goggles Calvin Borel wore during my historic Haskell win! You can follow the auction at www.kj.com in real time.

I have a final note before I return to my cocoon of seclusion…I want to wish my protégée and best friend Hot Dixie Chick the best of luck on Sunday as she takes on a very talented field in the Grade 1 Spinaway here at Saratoga. Hopefully we will both make this a super weekend, and we can celebrate with mints for me and Dixie's beloved apple cookies for her!

Have a wonderful Labor Day and wish Hot Dixie Chick and I the best of luck…we're blowing you all peppermint kisses from Saratoga!

Saratoga Race Course, Thursday, Septmber 10, 2009
Saratoga Race Course, Monday, August 24, 2009
Saratoga Race Course, Friday, August 14, 2009
Saratoga Race Course, Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Saratoga Race Course, Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Saratoga Race Course, Monday, July 27, 2009
Saratoga Race Course, Monday, July 20, 2009
Saratoga Race Course, Monday, July 13, 2009
Saratoga Race Course, Monday, July 6, 2009
Saratoga Race Course, Monday, June 29, 2009
Belmont, Saturday, June 27, 2009
Belmont, Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Churchill Downs, Sunday, June 21, 2009
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