Derby-winning jockey to ride filly in Preakness

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30645490/

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The new connections of Rachel Alexandra issued a press release Friday to announce that the filly will face male rivals in the Preakness Stakes next Saturday "if she continues to be in perfect condition" and that jockey Calvin Borel has agreed to continue riding her in all of her races this year.

Jess Jackson, whose Stonestreet Stables purchased Rachel Alexandra this week in partnership with Harold T. McCormick and turned over the filly to trainer Steve Asmussen, said in the release that retaining Borel "came down to the facts that he knows and loves this horse, that he knows how to get the most from her. We think this is a perfect match of rider and horse."

The decision by Borel to stay with Rachel Alexandra means he will become the first jockey ever to take off a Derby winner to ride a different horse in the Preakness. Borel rode Mine That Bird to a 50-1 upset in the Kentucky Derby last Saturday for trainer Bennie Woolley Jr., who in recent days has been in close contact with Brad Pegram, the agent for Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, in regard to Smith possibly replacing Borel for the Preakness at Pimlico. However, there has been no finalconfirmation of that arrangement.

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So Calvin will be riding Rachel Alexandra, not Mine That Bird. With Rachel in the race, it will be very exciting. Calvin rode her the day before the Derby to win the Kentucky Oaks by 20 1/4 lengths. She will also be the first filly to run the Preakness in 10 years.

May have TOO MANY to cheer for that day!

Wonder what Rachel M will have to say about this!

after winning the Derby on Mine That Bird. He will have won the Triple Crown even though neither horse did!

:(

may be a blessing in disguise for Mine That Bird. Borel is great on the rail at Churchill, but nothing to write home about anywhere else. Does anybody remember the last time he won a Grade 1 outside Churchill? I'm serious because I can't remember.

I don’t think Rachel Alexandra will be the Triple Crown spoiler. A strong pace and she’s cooked before the quarter pole. I think Pioneerof the Nile is the one to worry about for Mine That Bird fans.

But Rachel will probably be a favorite. The race is 1 3/16 and she dusted everyone in the Oaks by 20 lengths, so we'll see how she does in a longer race against the guys. Whatever happens, it should be a great race; I just don't want to see any injuries. I Want Revenge is not racing the Preakness and he was the favorite going into the Derby before he was scratched.

I took my daughter to Hollywood Park to the Turf Club buffet for the Derby and we had a great time.