Finite Flies Free in Rachel Alexandra

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Trainer Steve Asmussen’s Finite got the jump on the 2-Year-Old division champ British Idiom in the far turn before flying free in the stretch to win Saturday’s $300,000 Rachel Alexandra Stakes Presented by Fasig-Tipton (G2) at Fair Grounds.

Breaking from the far outside post 7 as the 5/2 second choice under Ricardo Santana, Jr., Finite was forwardly-placed but forced to run three-wide heading into the clubhouse turn. To her inside, His Glory led under a tight hold while Ursula raced between them through opening fractions of :24.20 and :47.92.

Heading into the far turn, Finite ranged up while continuing to run three-wide, a move that kept the 4/5 favorite British Idiom behind her. Off of the far turn, Finite surged to the front and began distancing herself from her competition.

British Idiom fought in vain to close the gap from second, but Finite proved too strong to be caught. Wrapped up late, Finite crossed 4 3/4 lengths clear in a final time of 1:43.97 for the 1 1/16-mile event over the fast main track.

“She was really ready and cranked for today,” said Santana, Jr. “I knew turning for home I had a lot of horse under me. She responded right when I asked her and she’s just such a fighter.”

British Idiom outlegged Swiss Skydiver for second by 1 3/4 lengths, while Tempers Rising was a neck behind her in fourth. Impeccable Style, His Glory, and Ursula completed the order of finish.

The Rachel Alexandra is part of the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Oaks prep race season. Finite earned 50 points for the win, with British Idiom receiving 20 for second, Swiss Skydiver 10 for third, and Tempers Rising 5 for fourth.

Finite’s win was her fifth straight and fourth at the stakes level to improve her overall record to 7-5-2-0. The 3-year-old daughter of Munnings, a $200,000 auction buy-back in May 2019, has now earned $638,349 to date for Winchell Thoroughbreds (who bred her), Thomas Reiman, William Dickson, and Deborah Easter.

“I think the last race put us in this position,” Asmussen said. “This race has obviously been a producer of really nice fillies and I think we have something to work with now with her. She’s always been a really game filly and has always showed a lot of heart.”

Finite returned $7.40 to win, $3.20 to place, and $2.60 to show. British Idiom brought back $2.60 to place and $2.20 to show, while Swiss Skydiver paid $4 to show.