RACHEL ALEXANDRA VS ZENYATTA ODDS FOR THE APPLE BLOSSOM STAKES AT OAKLAWN

With Charles Cella confirming that both of America’s premier female horses are slated for a run at Oaklawn on April 9, the UK bookmakers have already issued advanced match betting for this widely-anticipated showdown. Initially, many has assumed that the two high-profile females would be engaging in a one-off competition, it now looks as though the Apple Blossom will be the first of three major contests between these two already-legendary runners.
Ladbrokes has listed Rachel Alexandra as the odds-on favourite to top Breeders Cup Classic-winning Zenyatta. Rachel Alexandra, majority-owned by Jess Jacksons’ Stonestreet Stable, is currently trading at a 1.5 price or 1/2 if you’re getting fractional. Zenyatta, the synthetic specialist from the left-coast, is available at 2.5 or 5/2. In terms of the rules around the bet, both need to run for the bets to count and the race must be held at Oaklawn Park.
The purse if expected to be $5,000,000 if both horses run and if one or both pull out the Apple Blossom will be rewarding at its usual $500,000.
All eyes will be on Zenyatta as she is set for a March 13th run in the Grade 1 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap- where she will face off ladies once again and put her undefeated record on the line. Her last workout was a six furlong breeze at Hollywood Park where she put in a solid 1:13.80. Zenyatta looks to be pointed at the Breeders Cup Classic once again, and will be seeking to defend her title. Rumour has it that Rachel Alexandra will also be contesting the Breeders Cup Classic as it will not be run on a synthetic surface this time around- unfolding on Churchill Downs dirt course.
Anybody looking to put together a high-profile combination bet here will do well to take their favourite female and combine them with Manny Pacquiao to win, as the Pacquiao-Clottey fight unfolds in Dallas just a few hours afterwards!