Rachel Alexandra’s Braids, originally uploaded by Rock and Racehorses.

UPDATE: Since this post was written, Rachel did devastate the boys and all they did see was her back. Jockey Calvin Borel finished the rainy race with clean white plants. Scroll down to the watch the race on YouTube, thanks to Mr. Partymanners.

She’s the one to beat. You’ll see her in this month’s Vogue magazine. Her stall at Saratoga is protected. She’s the best, jockey Calvin Borel says confidently.

In an hour or so, Rachel will run against Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird and that sharp gray colt Munnings in the $1.25 million Haskell Invitational at New Jersey’s Monmouth Park.

Normally, Monmouth would be baking in the August heat on Haskell day. But it’s been pouring this afternoon. The television crew had to abandon their set. Horses are reported to have had mishaps in earlier races, details are not available yet.

Rachel’s run in the rain before. She can do it again.

The Kentucky Derby begins with the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home”, the Preakness with “Maryland, My Maryland”. The Belmont, of course, likes “New York, New York”.

So what will they sing in Jersey today when Rachel prances onto the track? It’s perfect: Springsteen’s “Born to Run”.

Then get out of her way.

Thanks to Sarah K. Andrew and Rock and Racehorses for this great photo straight from Monmouth. Click the link under the photo to see more great shots of the filly enjoying her brief vacation on the Jersey Shore.