It's seem like Deja Vu all over again. We just finished running a Triple Crown race and we are again singing the praises of jockey Calvin Borel after an incredible win in Saturday's Preakness Stakes.
Rachel Alexandra was brilliant as Borel kept the filly out of potential trouble the whole way. She dueled with Big Drama through the first half of the race and then she started to open up. Borel kept plenty in the tank and held off a late charge of Derby winner Mine That Bird for the victory.
The Preakness win was not as dramatic as the Derby win but Borel stayed cool throughout the entire race and knew he was sitting on the best horse. He kept as much in reserve as he could when he asked for additional run, she gladly responded and held on for the victory.
"She is the best horse in the country, bar none," Borel said. "My filly struggled the last quarter of mile and I had to reach up and pick her in the last quarter. She has so much determination, it's unbelievable. Turning home I knew I was home free."
Now Borel has a place in racing history. He is the first jockey ever to win the Derby and Preakness on two different horses. and he helped make Rachel the first horse to win from the 13 post position. And he could conceivably become the first rider to win the Triple Crown on two different horses.
Owner Jess Jackson and trainer Steve Asmussen were non-committal to Rachel's next start but the Belmont is a possibility. If she does run in the 1 1/2 mile "Test of Champions" you can be sure that Borel will be there.
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