The Rachel Alexandra of 2009 won’t be back because that horse has been absorbed by another. The reigning Horse of the Year has developed into a recognizable but somewhat different racehorse — different, but still superbly talented. She also appears — not surprisingly since she’s older — to be more tractable, perhaps even more poised and relaxed, than she was a year ago. In other words, this filly, this 2010 version, although not quite as quick, could be even better suited to 10 furlongs than the Rachel Alexandra of 2009.

Intriguing.