Racing: Rachel's vacation
Sorry to hear that super filly Rachel Alexandra won't be running in the Belmont Stakes, but I wouldn't have entered her either. The way the Preakness played out, she would have been set up for a fall in a much longer race against a horse that can close like Mine That Bird.
Judging from owner Jess Jackson's comments, in which he acknowledged the horse is in great shape and has had strong workouts in the wake of the Preakness, I'm guessing he feels the same way. Losing the Belmont would damage the legend. This way, Rachel Alexandra benefits if Mine That Bird brings home the third jewel, since she'll always be the filly who prevented him from winning the Triple Crown.
Winning the Belmont would not have done all that much to change her reputation, so the downside -- losing or getting injured -- wasn't worth the risk. Now the race sets up pretty well for Calvin Borel to become the first jockey ever to win a personal Triple Crown on two different horses. Good luck to him and trainer Chip Wooley Jr, who have provided racing fans with a lot of entertainment (on several levels) this year.
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Comments
a better spot for her to run against colts would the the haskell at momouth a mile 1/8 race on a track that usually favors horses that run on or close to the pace.
Posted by: fkterp | May 30, 2009 12:59 PM
Pete,since the bird is a gelding they obviously can't stud him out but can't they use dna or something instead?
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Pete's reply: I've been asked that question before and I did check on it. No, apparently they cannot do anything like that.
Posted by: John | May 30, 2009 1:15 PM
the race of the year is going to be rachel vs. zenyetta at the breeders. keep your fingers crossed that we get this match up.
Posted by: brandon | May 30, 2009 3:34 PM
John,
Breeding of the professional ponies requires horse on horse contact. Unlike the cattle industry artificial insemination is not permitted.
Posted by: Rusty | May 30, 2009 5:31 PM