Horse Racing News is the source of thoroughbred racing information with horse racing odds, betting tips, racing picks, race results, and handicapping. Latest news and articles on top horse racing contenders, jockeys, trainers, three-year-olds, race tracks, and major stakes races such as the Triple Crown races: the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes as well as the Breeders' Cup horse races.The Preakness Stakes 2009 Results & Payouts: Filly Rachel Alexandra Won By 1 Length
Posted on Saturday, May 16th, 2009
Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra lived up to her star billing, becoming the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness Stakes 2009 at 1 3/16 miles.
With jockey Calvin Borel in the irons, Rachel Alexandra became the first filly since Nellie Morse in 1924 to win the Preakness Stakes, second jewel in US horse racing’s Triple Crown, holding off a charge by Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird.
Jockey Calvin 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, 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.
“Probably inside the eighth pole I thought we got a shot at her from there, but she just doesn’t falter enough,” Mine That Bird trainer Chip Woolley said. “I’m real proud of him.”
“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,” said Asmussen, who said his main task since the filly arrived in his barn was to “stay out of her way.”
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.
While there’s no chance now of the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978, Borel could complete a personal Triple Crown, if Rachel Alexandra goes on to the race dubbed “Test of the Champion”.
“I’m not worried about nothing,” he said. “It’s going to take a racehorse to beat her.
“She’s the best horse in the country right now, bar none,” he said.
Rachel Alexandra had won her five previous starts against her own gender by a total of 43 1/2 lengths.
Jackson was delighted that the decision to have her take on the boys produced a victory.
“There was a lot of social criticism and doubt about whether she was capable,” Jackson said. “I think I would’ve taken some heat if she hadn’t performed well, so that takes some heat off my shoulders.”
Mine That Bird’s connections also felt vindicated.
Co-owner Mark Allen said second place felt like a victory because it proved the little gelding’s Derby “was no fluke.”
“He was coming, but that filly, she run a big race,” Allen said. “She’s about a length better than Mine That Bird.”
Tags: Rachel Alexandra
"The Preakness Stakes 2009 Results & Payouts: Filly Rachel Alexandra Won By 1 Length" was posted on Saturday, May 16th, 2009 at 9:22 pm and is filed under Horse Racing Industry, Horses, Pimlico Track, Preakness Stakes, Race Tracks News, Stakes Races, Triple Crown, USA Horse Racing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Previous Horse Racing News Entry:
The Preakness Stakes 2009: I Call ‘em the Way I See ‘em
Next Horse Racing News Entry:
Kentucky Derby Winner Mine That Bird To Run In The Belmont Stakes 2009