The excitement in the air for the imminent Saratoga meet has just kicked up a notch, as reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra arrived this morning.

The filly left Louisville early this morning and landed at Albany International Airport a few minutes before 10 a.m. From there, she was taken by horse van to the Oklahoma Training Track, where she took up residence in her old stall from last summer, directly next to the barn office.

Assistant trainer Scott Blasi made the trip with the string of horses that also included multiple stakeswinner Friesan Fire and several of trainer Steve Asmussen's 2-year-olds who will debut at the meet, a traditional coming-out party for good young horses. Blasi said that all the horses traveled well. Rachel Alexandra, in particular, has never had a problem with air travel.

"She's the ultimate pro as far as traveling," he said. "She's great at everything she does."

The filly received a warm welcome back to the area. A dozen or so media members gathered on the airport tarmac to watch her disembark, and then a handful (yours truly included) followed the horse van up the Northway, where another handful of photographers was gathered to greet her at the Oklahoma track. One observation - The filly has grown and filled out since we last saw her here as a 3-year-old, and it suits her.

Rachel Alexandra was based at Saratoga last summer, earning a stirring victory in the Woodward Stakes and wrapping up her Horse of the Year title in the process. The filly won the Fleur de Lis at Churchill Downs on June 12 for her first win of 2010. No definitive plan has been announced for her next start, although obvious options include the August 1 Ruffian and the August 29 Personal Ensign, both Grade I events at Saratoga.

Video (including an interview with Blasi) will be available soon on our website, and we'll have full coverage in tomorrow's paper. Until then, here are a few photos to tide you over:

Rachel's plane touches down on the runway

Rachel stepping off the plane onto the horse trailer

Rachel gets her bath at her barn at the Oklahoma track

Rachel walking out after her bath