Rachel Alexandra wins Preakness Stakes

Monday, May 18, 2009 at 2:16 AM Posted by Beijing News


Rachel Alexandra lived up to her star billing Saturday, becoming the first filly in 85 years to win the 1 3/16-mile Preakness Stakes.

With jockey Calvin Borel in the irons, Rachel Alexandra became the first filly since Nellie Morse in 1924 to win the second jewel in US flat racing's Triple Crown, holding off a charge by Kentucky Derby-winner Mine That Bird.

Borel had piloted 50-1 shot Mine That Bird to the Kentucky Derby triumph, but elected to switch to Rachel Alexandra for the one million-dollar Preakness when new owner Jess Jackson decided to test her against colts.

This time Mike Smith guided Mine That Bird's charge up the rail, but fell short by one length.

Rachel Alexandra went off as the 9-5 favorite in the 13-horse field, and became the first horse to win the Preakness from the number 13 post.

Predictions that the outside starting spot would suit the physically imposing front-runner proved true as she moved to the lead early and wasn't threatened until Smith piloted Mine That Bird up through the field in a storming run reminiscent of his Kentucky Derby race under Borel.

"She's the greatest horse I've ever been on in my life," said Borel, who had ridden Rachel Alexandra to a spectacular 20-length victory in the Kentucky Oaks for fillies on the eve of the Kentucky Derby and was delighted to have a chance to ride her in the Preakness.

Steve Asmussen, who took over as Rachel Alexandra's trainer after she was bought days after her Oaks triumph, paid tribute to previous trainer Hal Wiggins.

"What an amazing 10 days it has been," Asmussen said.

Musket Man finished third - just as he did in the Kentucky Derby two weeks earlier.

The Triple Crown concludes on June 6 with the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes.





A participant attends the 17th Life Ball in Vienna. AFP/Joe Klamar

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