Rachel Alexandra will attempt to become the first filly in history to win the G1 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga this Saturday.

The champion three year-old warmed up for the $750,000 event by working 800m in 49s on Monday morning.  The Woodward will be the first time she takes on older males after victories against three-year-old colts in the G1 Preakness Stakes and G1 Haskell Invitational.

“She was very happy and came back very loose,” trainer Steve Asmussen said after the hit-out.  “If she’s happy, we’re happy.  It was a nice, cool, crisp morning, and the track was in great shape.”

Asmussen won the 2008 Woodward with Curlin and the event’s honour-roll boasts more than a dozen Horse of the Year winners including Saint Liam (2005), Ghostzapper (2004), Mineshaft (2003), Cigar (1995-96), Holy Bull (1994), Alysheba (1988), Spectacular Bid (1980) and Affirmed (1979).

Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d’Oro), who has not lost since November 2008, is scheduled to gallop again during Saratoga’s Thursday meeting on an afternoon that’s sure to be well-attended.

“I think she knows she’s a star,” Asmussen said.  “But the Woodward is a tall order and she will need to produce a career-best effort to win.”

Rachel Alexandra is a leading contender for the 2009 USA Horse of the Year award which has not been won by a three-year-old filly since Twilight Tear and Busher received the honour in consecutive seasons more than 60 years ago.