Stonewall Stallions’ leading freshman sire Medaglia d’Oro has enjoyed a stellar season in 2008, and it got even better Saturday, November 29th when his 2-year-old filly Rachel Alexandra stamped herself as a leading contender for next year’s Kentucky Oaks by romping to a 4 ¾-length victory in stakes-record time in the $162,900 Golden Rod S. (G2) under the twin spires of Churchill Downs.

The impressive performance came at the expense of favorite Sara Louise, who moved up to challenge pacesetter Rachel Alexandra at the top of the stretch but proved to be no match. Rachel Alexandra spurted clear under rail-riding specialist Calvin Borel and came home powerfully the final sixteenth of a mile, hitting the wire in 1:43.08 to establish a new stakes record in the 66-year-old event that traditionally showcases some of the best debutantes in the land.

The time also proved to be more than a second faster than the Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2) for 2-year-old colts and geldings, which was run two races later. And the performance was recognized by Andy Beyer as the fastest by a 2-year-old filly this year, as Rachel Alexandra earned a 99 Beyer.

Out of the stakes-winning Roar mare Lotta Kim, Rachel Alexandra picked up her third win from six starts with the exciting Grade 2 win. Trained by Hal Wiggins, the filly’s career earnings moved to $201,440 for her owners L and M Partners LLC. Dolphus Morrison bred her in Kentucky.

Rachel Alexandra becomes the fourth stakes winner and second graded stakes winner for Medaglia d’Oro, who stands at No. 3 on the first-crop sires list.