Filly Favored to Win Preakness
Rachel Alexandra could become the first filly to win the Preakness since 1924.
May 14, 2009 — -- Perhaps only a lady could add more drama to Saturday's Preakness Stakes after a miraculous upset by long shot Mine That Bird at the Kentucky Derby.
Rachel Alexandra is a filly who has some of the colts, geldings and jockeys nervous. The belle of the Preakness ball arrived at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore Wednesday and the champion filly has emerged as the early favorite for the Preakness.
Rachel Alexandra was made the early 8-5 favorite Wednesday for the Preakness, the first filly accorded that status since 1988. She brings a five-race winning streak into Saturday's 1 3/16-mile race at Pimlico.
The Steve Asmussen-trained horse has been running so well that some colt owners have discussed entering extra horses in the race to keep her out.
"This conspiracy seems so unsportsmanlike" said Washington Post horse racing columnist Andy Beyer. "This is a confrontation I can't wait to see."
Rachel Alexandra's new owners paid a $100,000 supplemental fee to get her in because she wasn't nominated to any of the Triple Crown races.
The horse has a front-running style and hasn't been farther back than second in any of her last five races.
If Rachel Alexandra wins the weekend sporting event, she'll be the first filly to do so since 1924, when Nellie Morse captured the crown.
She's also made history because master jockey Calvin Borel, who rode 50-1 long shot Mine That Bird to an upset victory in the Kentucky Derby, has chosen to ride her, even though the gelding is entered in the Preakness.
It's the first time a Derby winner has ever changed horses for the Preakness.
Borel has a longer relationship with Rachel Alexandra and has said he believes she will come out ahead against Mine That Bird, who gets Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith.
