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Rachel Alexander Will Not Run in Belmont Stakes - 06-01-09
June 1 - This year's U.S. Triple Crown has been anything but routine after longshot Mine That Bird won the Kentucky Derby and undefeated filly Rachel Alexandra won the Preakness Stakes, both with jockey Calvin Borel aboard. Unfortunately, Rachel Alexandra will not be starting in Saturday's Belmont Stakes.
This will undoubtedly be disappointing news for American horseracing fans looking forward to watching and wagering on the showdown between top-rated gelding Mine That Bird and the seemingly unstoppable Rachel Alexander in the third and final leg of the Triple Crown at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.
But it will come as an enormous relief for owners and trainers with horses running in the $1 million race, as the chances of their respective charges have increased exponentially with Rachel out of the running. Particularly pleased with the news will be Mine That Bird's trainer, Chip Wooley, but for a different reason.
With Rachel out, it means that Calvin Borel should now be free to ride the gelding on Saturday, and hopefully deliver the same kind of jaw-dropping victory he delivered on Mine That Bird in the Derby at Churchill Downs in early May. While it has still to be officially confirmed, Borel is looking likely for the mount.
All Jesse Jackson - Rachel Alexandra's new owner - said when asked why he had chosen not to run the lightening fast filly in the Belmont Stakes, was 'She deserves a well-earned vacation.' Although this is undoubtedly true, one wonders if she couldn't have handled just one more 1 1/2 mile race before taking a breather.
Still, over the last few weeks the gutsy filly has become something of a hot topic in horseracing circles, not only because of her swift turn-of-foot and enviable consistency, but because of her power over Borel. The jockey drew much criticism for turning down Mine That Bird in the Preakness Stakes for the filly.
With Wednesday's deadline looming - when Wooley will have to name his jockey for the Belmont Stakes - all eyes and ears will be on whether Borel accepts the ride or not. From a horserace betting viewpoint, whether the jockey rides Mine That Bird will no doubt have a large impact on betting ahead of the race.
Other Articles:
Mine That Bird Favorite for 2009 Belmont Stakes - 06-05-09Crowded House Cleared For 09 Epsom Derby - 06-04-09Sariska Betfair Favorite in Epsom Oaks - 06-03-09Vincent O'Brien Dies Aged 92 - 06-02-09Irish Runners Rated For 2009 Epsom Derby - 05-31-09Chip Wooley Seeks Borel for Belmont - 05-30-09Gaultier Can Win Golden Horse Casino Sprint - 05-29-09Cummings Could Win Queensland Oaks - 05-28-09
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Digiturf - Train and race your own horses |
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| | 2009/11/20 11:35:17 AM |
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