Rachel seems ready for next step back to stardom

Sure looks and sounds like Rachel Alexandra is back in top form.

All the reigning Horse of the Year has to do now is prove it Saturday with a big victory against six seemingly overmatched rivals in the $400,000 Lady's Secret Stakes at Monmouth Park.

Assistant trainer Scott Blasi says the 4-year-old filly is doing well, is full of energy and ready for the 1 1/8-mile race against fillies and mares.

Rachel Alexandra has been training at Saratoga Race Course, but arrived at the Jersey Shore track Tuesday nearly a year after her win against males in the Haskell Invitational en route to an 8-0 record in 2009.

While the Lady's Secret is far from a glamour race, it nonetheless is a huge test for Rachel Alexandra, and will dictate the filly's future schedule.