Every one of them would have to run their career best in order to knock off Rachel but here's a quick look in my preference order of who I think can beat Rachel.
Macho Again (Overall record 18-6-5-0) - The gray colt will be last in the early part of the race but will make his patented closing move on the turn for him. If the speed up front is quick enough, he'll have a great shot wear down Rachel inside the final furlong. Trainer Dallas Stewart has said that his horse was training great at his home base at Churchill which prompted him to bring the colt back to Saratoga.
Asiatic Boy (Overall record 17-7-5-2) - The 6-year-old horse has made a lot of money is his international career - $3.27 million. He finished second to Curlin in the 2008 Dubai World Cup but was 12th in the same race this year. He's only been in the U.S. for two starts and has finished second each time. He will eventually break through for a big win and he should be clear of any trouble in today's race. Jockey Alan Garcia and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin have teamed up to win 31% of the time at Saratoga.
It's a Bird (Overall record 31-10-4-2) - South Florida based trainer Marty Wolfson is ALWAYS dangerous when he ships a horse from his home turf. (He sent Icon Project to Saratoga last week in the Personal Ensign and she won by nearly 14 lengths.) It's a Bird's worst race of the race came last time at Belmont which means he's due for a good outing. He should right near the front the whole way around.
Bullsbay (Overall record 18-7-5-1) - The Graham Motion-trained horse finally broke through for a big win last time when he won the prestigious Whitney at Saratoga last month. He's won three of his last five and rarely finishes off the board. Expect him to make his move on the far turn. Also, Motion and jockey Jeremy Rose have teamed up to win 3 of 4 at Saratoga.
Cool Coal Man (Overall record 20-8-3-1) - This is one of two Nick Zito-trained entrants and the biggest threat he will pose if the speed up front. He can ran both on and off the lead but best chance will be if he's close to the front. Zito and jockey John Velazquez have been a great combo at the Spa (winning % - 37). Zito also has a history of pulling big upsets and this would rank right up there.
Past the Point (Overall record 15-4-4-2) - The west coast based son of Indian Charlie has a great record at Saratoga. He's never been worse than second in four starts (2-2-0) and the Middle East powerhouse ownership group of Darley/Godolphin has been on fire during the Saratoga racing season. It would take his lifetime best effort to knock off Rachel however.
Da'Tara (Overall record 16-2-5-2) - Can lighting strike twice? Da'Tara knocked off Triple Crown hopeful Big Brown in last year's Belmont Stakes when he went wire-to-wire but has not won a race since. His best hope would have to be another front running effort.
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