Rachel's Valentina all heart in G1 Spinaway

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As the second foal out of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, Rachel's Valentina commemorated the sixth anniversary of her mother's historic victory in the 2009 Woodward with a Grade 1 win of her own, taking the $350,000 Spinaway by a length in her stakes debut at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday.

Rachel's Valentina, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Hall of Famer John Velazquez, settled in third early on, two lengths behind her pacesetting stablemate Tonasah, who led the field of six through an opening quarter-mile in 22.75 seconds and a half in 45.38. The leader gave way to pressure from Constellation, who assumed control at the top of the lane after completing six furlongs in 1:10.09. Rachel's Valentina swung out from her inside position and kicked clear for the win.

Rachel's Valentina, who broke her maiden at first asking on August 2 at the Spa, completed the seven furlongs in 1:23.10.

"Today, she knew what it was all about," said Velazquez. "She was on the bridle, and she knew what she was supposed to do. I didn't have to do anything down the lane, just keep her mind on running, and she got it done. She's one of those horses that the farther she goes, the better she gets. Before she ran I thought three-quarters might be a little too short and she still got up there. She's pretty good."

Bred in Kentucky by owner, Stonestreet Stables, the 2-year-old daughter of Bernardini returned $5.50 as the 8-5 favorite, while the winner's share of the purse boosted her career earnings to $259,800. 

"I thought she ran fantastic," Pletcher said. "Actually, she put herself into the race a little more than I thought she would, but she seemed to be handling tracking those horses well, and getting a little dirt well. I felt like turning for home, knowing her style and watching her train, that she was going to keep coming. I've always felt like the farther she goes, the better she gets."

Tap to It closed late to finish second, 3 ¼ lengths ahead of a fading Constellation. Anna Rae was another five lengths back in fourth. Tonasah and Banree completed the order of finish.