Making her first start in six months, Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra was defeated by Zardana in Saturday’s $200,000 New Orleans Ladies at the Fair Grounds.

The 1-1/16-mile race had a field of five older females and was added to the Fair Grounds’ stakes schedule earlier this year.

Rachel Alexandra, owned by Jess Jackson and Hal McCormick, broke from post two with Zardana in post three. Rachel was the 1-5 morning-line favorite and Zardana was the 5-1 second pick.

Fighter Wing, with Rachel along side, set the pace in the New Orleans Ladies. The rest of the field was two or three lengths behind the two leaders.

Rachel, ridden by Calvin Borel, took the lead around the far turn as Zardana and jockey David Flores moved forward on the outside. Zardana and Rachel were together at the top of the stretch and the favorite appeared to have a short lead with a furlong to run.

(article source: Miami Herald, photo source: NBC Sports)