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A matchup between Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra and undefeated champion mare Zenyatta is becoming increasingly unlikely by the minute.

According to recent reports, Zenyatta’s owner Jerry Moss does not want to ship to face Rachel because the Breeders’ Cup will be held in his backyard. You can blame BC officials since they opted to hold the Cup at Santa Anita for two straight years.

Mr. Moss did leave the door open a crack regarding a meeting after the Cup. “We may run against the boys at some point, and we’re open to meeting Rachel Alexandra perhaps after the Breeders’ Cup.”

Zenyatta packed 129 pounds and did not bring her A game in Saturday’s Vanity (G1), but her giant strides and class propelled her to another easy win. The Grade 1 Clement Hirsch at Del Mar on Aug. 9th is her next target. She is expected to retire at the end of ‘09.

Rachel Alexandra exited her Mother Goose romp in fine order, and she has ventured to the Spa for the summer. Her endless options include the Coaching Club American Oaks at Belmont (July 25th), the Jim Dandy at the Spa (August 1st), and the Grade 1 Haskell from Monmouth (August 2nd).

Later in the month of August, she is looking at the Alabama, Travers, or Personal Ensign. Owner Jess Jackson has already indicated that he has no interest in shipping to SoCal to run over synthetic ground in the Breeders’ Cup.