Rachel's Valentina scores Grade 1 win in Spinaway Stakes

Running in only her second career race, Rachel's Valentina, under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, scored big time, as she took the lead near the sixteenth-pole and went on to a one-length victory over Tap to It in the $350,000 Spinaway Stakes (G1) at Saratoga on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015.

Rachel's Valentina, the daughter of Rachel Alexandra, put in an impressive performance under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, to capture the $350,000 Spinaway Stakes (G1) at Saratoga on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Finishing third in the six-horse race for 2-year-olds was Constellation.

"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."

Added winning trainer Todd Pletcher, "I thought she ran fantastic. 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."

Rachel's Velanetina has a big following, as she is the daughter of Rachel Alexandra, who's legacy was cemented at Saratoga with her courageous win over the boys in the 2009 Woodward Stakes (G1).

Rachel's Valentina, who's full pedigree is Bernardini-Rachel Alexandra, by Medaglia d'Oro, ran the seven-furlong race on a dirt track rated Fast in 1:23.10.

Owned by Stonestreet Stables, Rachel's Valentina now has two wins in two career starts and $259,800 in earnings.

The Spinaway was also a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" race, which gives the filly an automatic berth into the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) race. The Breeders' Cup will be held at Keeneland on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31.

Rounding out the order of finish in the race was Anna Rae fourth, followed by Tonasah and Banree.

(Information provided by EquiBase.com, BloodHorse.com, and Brisnet.com)