Rachel Alexandra returned to the worktab this morning at the Fair Grounds, breezing a half mile in 52 seconds flat.

The newly crowned Horse of the Year's time ranked 53rd of 58 works at that distance. But considering that it was her first work in over four months and that her fitness gallops were interrupted by poor weather in New Orleans, the time isn't cause for concern - yet.

Assistant trainer Scott Blasi was pleased with how she went.

"I even asked for a touch slower but for her that's just physically impossible," he said. "[Exercise rider Dom Terry] did a good job. He had to trick her into going that slow but right now that's what’s best for her. ... It was a perfect work. We’re not out to impress anybody at this point."

Blasi said the filly would now settle into a pattern of weekly works. No starting point for her 2010 campaign has been determined yet.