Derby Winner Mine That Bird Loses Jockey to Filly for Preakness Stakes

by Patricia Woo | May 11 2009

Saturday, May 16 marks the 134th running of the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown series held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md., for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds.  And this week, the Preakness got a little more exciting with the news that Rachel Alexandra, this year's top 3-year-old filly, not only changed owners and trainers but direction as well. Originally under the supervision of trainer Hal Wiggins, Rachel Alexandra was pointed to the Acorn Stakes (a race on the undercard of the Belmont Stakes in June) off her Kentucky Oaks victory. But in an announcement on May 6 that turned the entire horse racing world on its ear, Rachel Alexandra was purchased by Jess Jackson of Stonestreet Stables and turned over to Steve Asmussen, who will train her for her next race: the Preakness Stakes. Most oddsmakers now have the 2009 Kentucky Oaks champion as the race favorite despite the fact that she has never raced against colts. But there are a few contenders who may be able to deny her the title; read on about Friesan Fire, Hull and Mine That Bird. Plus, read about the owners who initially schemed to keep Rachel Alexandra from the race but have since backed down.

Though his Kentucky Derby chances were dashed the moment his left front foot was stepped on leaving the gate, Friesan Fire is one contender with the resume to win the Preakness. Winner of all three races at Fair Grounds leading up to the Kentucky Derby, Friesan Fire finally hit a triple-digit Beyer Speed Figure (104) in his last prep race, the Louisiana Derby. According to trainer Larry Jones, this son of A.P. Indy is fully recovered and ready for another crack at a Triple Crown race title.

Another contender who could challenge Rachel Alexandra is Hull, winner of the Derby Trial on April 25. Unbeaten in three starts for trainer Dale Romans, the son of Holy Bull won his last race by four lengths, and has worked well at Churchill Downs in preparation for the Preakness, most recently turning in a bullet 5-furlong workout in :59.40 on May 10.

Finally, Mine That Bird. Though he will be without the services of jockey Calvin Borel (who has decided to ride Rachel Alexandra), the son of Birdstone demonstrated incredible agility and an ability to win from off the pace during the Kentucky Derby. It will be up to jockey Mike Smith to tease out that same level of performance from the longshot Kentucky Derby champion if he is to have a shot at Triple Crown glory against the likes of Rachel Alexandra.

But as Rachel Alexandra was not originally nominated to the Triple Crown, the rules state that she is not permitted to bump a nominated horse from the race. And two owners who did not want Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness stated early Sunday that they would enter one horse each to exclude her from the race: Mark Allen, co-owner of 2009 Kentucky Derby champion Mine That Bird, as well as Ahmed Zayat, owner of Pioneerof the Nile. However, both have since rescinded their intentions and stated that they would not block Rachel Alexandra from the Preakness Stakes.

Stay tuned as all the Preakness Stakes drama unfolds. Bet on horse racing at the Bodog Racebook!