Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta set to face off

Horse racing fans are on the verge of having what might be the top item on their wish list fulfilled -- a race between the nation’s top two female horses, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta.

Charles Cella, owner of Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., said Thursday the owners of the two horses had agreed to run in the $5-million Apple Blossom Invitational on April 9.

“This is truly a race for the ages,” Cella told the Associated Press.

He moved back the Apple Blossom six days after Jess Jackson, owner of Rachel Alexandra, said his horse would not run in the race because the date was too early.

Cella said he was on the phones Wednesday night and Thursday to make the final arrangements.

Cella increased the purse from $500,000 to $5 million to get Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra to run.

The race will be run at 1 1/8 miles on dirt.

“I’ve never had so much trouble giving $5 million away,” Cella told the Daily Racing Form.

Zenyatta is unbeaten in 14 races and became the first female to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Rachel Alexandra was unbeaten in eight races last year, won the Preakness Stakes, and was selected as horse of the year.

Zenyatta has been training at Hollywood Park and is expected to make her 2010 debut next month at Santa Anita, while Rachel Alexandra has been training in New Orleans.

eric.sondheimer

@latimes.com