Jockey Calvin Borel continues to spend lots of time in the national spotlight this week as he has done a slew of television interviews from his home base in Louisville, including the Today Show this morning.
However the picture is still fuzzy about who he might ride in the Belmont Stakes. Borel's first choice is still super filly Rachel Alexandra but there has been no decision made yet about her next start.
Meanwhile, the connections for Derby winner Mine That Bird insist that they will make a decision in the "next couple of days." If they are true to their word, that may keep Borel off Mine That Bird.
Of course, there is still the possibility that the "Bird Crew" could follow the same scenario as they did before the Preakness; give Borel the chance to ride Mine That Bird while waiting out Rachel Alexandra's fate. At the same time, they would have a "backup rider" ready if Rachel does try the one-mile-and-a-half "Test of Champions."
Mine That Bird was back on the Churchill Downs oval training for the first time since the Preakness and Rachel will follow suit tomorrow morning.
The only other news was a definite decision for Belmont contender Charitable Man will come on Wednesday. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin indicated that his colt is likely to run but would confer with the owners again to make their final choice.
The son of 1999 Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid has won 3 of 4 starts including the Peter Pan Stakes two weeks at Belmont. His only loss came on the "artificial dirt" at Keeneland in April and is a perfect 2-for-2 at Belmont.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
What Now For Mine That Bird?
Will they bring Calvin Borel back or won't they?
That's the question
now left to Mine That Bird's owners and trainer after Mike Smith (left) announced he was vacating the Belmont mount on the Derby winner for a race in California.
After arriving back in Kentucky Monday night and setting up back in their familiar surroundings, trainer Chip Woolley said he's made no decision as to who will fill the void left by Smith.
The wild card, of course, is super filly Rachel Alexandra (right). Her trainer, Steve Asmussen, has been non-committal about their plans for the Belmont. That decision leaves Borel in the lurch until the Rachel crew makes up their mind.
“I don’t know,” Woolley said. “It’s kinda funny. You’d think if you get a horse this good, you’d keep one, but apparently not. So we’ll deal with that here in a couple of days and we’ll see what happens.”
There could be a huge list of great riders available and based on Woolley's comments, there are a lot of agents that have called him looking to pitch their clients to take the mount on Mine That Bird.
Racing would benefit greatly from having Borel back in the saddle on Mine That Bird but it's a tough call for the B
ird Crew.
Let's see if Woolley (left) sticks by his word and makes a quick decision. The longer he waits, the more chances that we will get to see Borel back.
We can only hope that the Woolley and company will give enough time to Asmussen and Borel to make their decision because if Woolley is worried about the other riders being available - don't. There are still many jockeys who would love a shot at riding a Derby winner and Preakness runner-up.
Photos courtesy of Eclipse Sportswire
That's the question
now left to Mine That Bird's owners and trainer after Mike Smith (left) announced he was vacating the Belmont mount on the Derby winner for a race in California.After arriving back in Kentucky Monday night and setting up back in their familiar surroundings, trainer Chip Woolley said he's made no decision as to who will fill the void left by Smith.
The wild card, of course, is super filly Rachel Alexandra (right). Her trainer, Steve Asmussen, has been non-committal about their plans for the Belmont. That decision leaves Borel in the lurch until the Rachel crew makes up their mind.
“I don’t know,” Woolley said. “It’s kinda funny. You’d think if you get a horse this good, you’d keep one, but apparently not. So we’ll deal with that here in a couple of days and we’ll see what happens.”
There could be a huge list of great riders available and based on Woolley's comments, there are a lot of agents that have called him looking to pitch their clients to take the mount on Mine That Bird.
Racing would benefit greatly from having Borel back in the saddle on Mine That Bird but it's a tough call for the B
ird Crew.Let's see if Woolley (left) sticks by his word and makes a quick decision. The longer he waits, the more chances that we will get to see Borel back.
We can only hope that the Woolley and company will give enough time to Asmussen and Borel to make their decision because if Woolley is worried about the other riders being available - don't. There are still many jockeys who would love a shot at riding a Derby winner and Preakness runner-up.
Photos courtesy of Eclipse Sportswire
Saturday, May 16, 2009
What Next for Rachel & Bird?
Fans of horse racing could not have asked for a lot more from the Preakness Stakes. Super filly Rachel Alexandra wins the Middle Jewel of Triple Crown and holds off a late charge from Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird.
Will this be a new budding rivalry?
What makes this potential new great rivalry it is not just two great horses. It is two stars of different genders which rarely cross paths.
There have been races where males and females have met but not often during the Triple Crown. The last time the rivarly lasted more than one race was in 1988 when Winning Colors, a filly, and Forty Niner went head-to-head twice. The two ran first and second in the Derby. But the rivarly spilled over in the Preakness when the two dueled each other into defeat as the filly finished third and Forty Niner was seventh.
Chances are Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird won't face each other much more in their careers, but the Belmont Stakes does remain a possibility for both. Mine That Bird's trainer, Chip Woolley, has already committed to run in the 1 1/2 miles "Test of Champions" but what of the filly?
Neither trainer Steve Asmussen nor majority owner Jess Jackson committed to the Belmont but how much fun would it be to see the Derby winner and Preakness winner slug it out in New York?
The temptation for the "Rachel crew" will be great. Jackson, who scored points among racing fans when he kept two-time Horse of the Year Curlin in training after his 3-year-old season. The chestnut colt ammased wins in the Preakness and the Breeders' Cup Classic and earned Horse of the Year honors; then came back and won the Dubai World Cup among others and notched his second Horse of the Year honor.
For those that might be worried about Rachel getting "burned up" early in the Belmont by some other speed horses, there aren't many left in the potential field who could push her early. Quality Road and Chartiable Man could be those obstacles but neither trainer has committed to the 1 1/2 mile race yet.
Racing, as always, needs some good news and attention. What happened today at the Preakness was a huge help but it will be very short lived if it's the last time we see the Derby and Preakness square off.
But Jackson has to do what is right by the horse and if she comes back feeling good, then he oughto to run Rachel in the Belmont. Rags to Riches proved a filly can win the "Test of Champions" and it would certainly cement Rachel's place as the one of the best horses of all-time with a Belmont victory.
Stay tuned over the next few days but we might just have a new rivaly we haven't seen in racing for some time.
Will this be a new budding rivalry?
What makes this potential new great rivalry it is not just two great horses. It is two stars of different genders which rarely cross paths.
There have been races where males and females have met but not often during the Triple Crown. The last time the rivarly lasted more than one race was in 1988 when Winning Colors, a filly, and Forty Niner went head-to-head twice. The two ran first and second in the Derby. But the rivarly spilled over in the Preakness when the two dueled each other into defeat as the filly finished third and Forty Niner was seventh.
Chances are Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird won't face each other much more in their careers, but the Belmont Stakes does remain a possibility for both. Mine That Bird's trainer, Chip Woolley, has already committed to run in the 1 1/2 miles "Test of Champions" but what of the filly?
Neither trainer Steve Asmussen nor majority owner Jess Jackson committed to the Belmont but how much fun would it be to see the Derby winner and Preakness winner slug it out in New York?
The temptation for the "Rachel crew" will be great. Jackson, who scored points among racing fans when he kept two-time Horse of the Year Curlin in training after his 3-year-old season. The chestnut colt ammased wins in the Preakness and the Breeders' Cup Classic and earned Horse of the Year honors; then came back and won the Dubai World Cup among others and notched his second Horse of the Year honor.
For those that might be worried about Rachel getting "burned up" early in the Belmont by some other speed horses, there aren't many left in the potential field who could push her early. Quality Road and Chartiable Man could be those obstacles but neither trainer has committed to the 1 1/2 mile race yet.
Racing, as always, needs some good news and attention. What happened today at the Preakness was a huge help but it will be very short lived if it's the last time we see the Derby and Preakness square off.
But Jackson has to do what is right by the horse and if she comes back feeling good, then he oughto to run Rachel in the Belmont. Rags to Riches proved a filly can win the "Test of Champions" and it would certainly cement Rachel's place as the one of the best horses of all-time with a Belmont victory.
Stay tuned over the next few days but we might just have a new rivaly we haven't seen in racing for some time.
Calvin The King
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.
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.
Preakness Analysis/Selections
With less than an hour before post-time, here's a quick look at the field and then selections:
1) Big Drama - Off since late March, the colt will have little choice to go out and push the early pace. He seems to have loads of talent and setting the pace could help him. Question is does he want to go the Preakness distance of 1 3/16 miles.
2) Mine That Bird - The winner of the Kentucky Derby has "flown under the radar" as much as a Derby winner could. New jockey Mike Smith doesn't necessarily help the horse but he will need luck on his side to win again and the track will be fast.
3) Musket Man - One of the blue collar horses in the field. He just runs hard every time as he has won 5 of 7 starts. His third place finish in the Derby could have been better if not for being bumped down the stretch. He is dangerous here.
4) Luv Gov - One question for trainer D. Wayne Lukas - What is this horse doing here? Just won his first career race last time after failing in his first nine tries. No chance here.
5) Friesan Fire - The Derby favorite stepped on his own foot and ran next to last. He came back with a strong workout at Pimlico this week and seems to be healthy. If he's 100 percent, very dangerous at a nice price.
6) Terrain - One of the true closers of the fields but he the Belmont might be better suited for him as it's a longer race. Very well bred and certainly will put his late run in.
7) Papa Clem - Another blue collar horse who also had a tough stretch run while finishing fourth in the Derby. He should be in good position during the running of the Preakness and should be in the thick of it down the stretch.
8) General Quarters - Still one of the best stories of the year for owner-trainer Tom McCarthy and his single horse stable. You can forgive his bad Derby performance but you have to wonder if going this far might be a little too much for him.
9) Pioneerof the Nile - The Derby runner-up has trained great for Bob Baffert and will be a huge threat again today. His Dad won the Belmont in 2003 so distance should not be an issue but needs to avoid getting floating wide on the both turns.
10) Flying Private - This horse isn't as bad as Luv Gov but he appears a little bit overmatched here.
11) Take the Points - Off since running fourth to Pioneerof the Nile at Santa Anita on April 4, trainer Todd Pletcher bypassed the Derby for this race. Jockey Edgar Prado is a master in bgi races and is a perfect 2-for-2 on him. But being outside is a concern.
12) Tone It Down - The local horse, who picked up Hall 0f Famer Kent Desormeaux, will be near the front all the way but appears overmatched.
13) Rachel Alexandra - The super filly comes in with high expectations and after her Kentucky Oaks blowout victory, it's warranted. Jockey Calvin Borel needs to avoid getting caught far outside on both turns. Her talented is unquestioned but running in the Preakness is a whole different story than the Oaks. Hard to pull against her but she will need be 100% to win here.
My picks:
5) Friesan Fire
7) Papa Clem
13) Rachel Alexandra
9) Pioneerof the Nile
1) Big Drama - Off since late March, the colt will have little choice to go out and push the early pace. He seems to have loads of talent and setting the pace could help him. Question is does he want to go the Preakness distance of 1 3/16 miles.
2) Mine That Bird - The winner of the Kentucky Derby has "flown under the radar" as much as a Derby winner could. New jockey Mike Smith doesn't necessarily help the horse but he will need luck on his side to win again and the track will be fast.
3) Musket Man - One of the blue collar horses in the field. He just runs hard every time as he has won 5 of 7 starts. His third place finish in the Derby could have been better if not for being bumped down the stretch. He is dangerous here.
4) Luv Gov - One question for trainer D. Wayne Lukas - What is this horse doing here? Just won his first career race last time after failing in his first nine tries. No chance here.
5) Friesan Fire - The Derby favorite stepped on his own foot and ran next to last. He came back with a strong workout at Pimlico this week and seems to be healthy. If he's 100 percent, very dangerous at a nice price.
6) Terrain - One of the true closers of the fields but he the Belmont might be better suited for him as it's a longer race. Very well bred and certainly will put his late run in.
7) Papa Clem - Another blue collar horse who also had a tough stretch run while finishing fourth in the Derby. He should be in good position during the running of the Preakness and should be in the thick of it down the stretch.
8) General Quarters - Still one of the best stories of the year for owner-trainer Tom McCarthy and his single horse stable. You can forgive his bad Derby performance but you have to wonder if going this far might be a little too much for him.
9) Pioneerof the Nile - The Derby runner-up has trained great for Bob Baffert and will be a huge threat again today. His Dad won the Belmont in 2003 so distance should not be an issue but needs to avoid getting floating wide on the both turns.
10) Flying Private - This horse isn't as bad as Luv Gov but he appears a little bit overmatched here.
11) Take the Points - Off since running fourth to Pioneerof the Nile at Santa Anita on April 4, trainer Todd Pletcher bypassed the Derby for this race. Jockey Edgar Prado is a master in bgi races and is a perfect 2-for-2 on him. But being outside is a concern.
12) Tone It Down - The local horse, who picked up Hall 0f Famer Kent Desormeaux, will be near the front all the way but appears overmatched.
13) Rachel Alexandra - The super filly comes in with high expectations and after her Kentucky Oaks blowout victory, it's warranted. Jockey Calvin Borel needs to avoid getting caught far outside on both turns. Her talented is unquestioned but running in the Preakness is a whole different story than the Oaks. Hard to pull against her but she will need be 100% to win here.
My picks:
5) Friesan Fire
7) Papa Clem
13) Rachel Alexandra
9) Pioneerof the Nile
Preakness Day, 5 p.m.
The steamy weather continues at Pimlico and there are some darker clouds off to the West. There is no question it will rain here at Pimlico but it may well happen after the running of the Preakness.
As for the odds, they're like the weather outside, stagnant.
And there probably won't be any huge moves in the odds between now and post time for the race, which should be around 6:15 p.m.
The contenders:
Rachel Alexandra - 2-1
Mine That Bird - 6-1
Pioneerof the Nile - 6-1
Musket Man - 9-1 (Had the huge surge down from 14 to 9 over an hour ago)
Friesan Fire - 9-1
Big Drama - 10-1 (Daily Racing Form reported he scraped his knee this AM. Trainer said it was "minor as could be.")
Papa Clem - 14-1
Borderliners:
Terrain - 14-1
General Quarters - 15-1
Take The Points - 16-1
No Shot-ers:
Luv Gov - 22-1
Flying Private - 25-1
Tone It Down - 21-1
Next entry will be my picks. So, in other words, the horses you cross of your list because I picked them.
As for the odds, they're like the weather outside, stagnant.
And there probably won't be any huge moves in the odds between now and post time for the race, which should be around 6:15 p.m.
The contenders:
Rachel Alexandra - 2-1
Mine That Bird - 6-1
Pioneerof the Nile - 6-1
Musket Man - 9-1 (Had the huge surge down from 14 to 9 over an hour ago)
Friesan Fire - 9-1
Big Drama - 10-1 (Daily Racing Form reported he scraped his knee this AM. Trainer said it was "minor as could be.")
Papa Clem - 14-1
Borderliners:
Terrain - 14-1
General Quarters - 15-1
Take The Points - 16-1
No Shot-ers:
Luv Gov - 22-1
Flying Private - 25-1
Tone It Down - 21-1
Next entry will be my picks. So, in other words, the horses you cross of your list because I picked them.
Preakness Day, 4 p.m.
With the sun still somewhat shining at Pimlico and temps in the upper 70's, there was some movement in the odds with two hours to go before the Preakness gets rolling.
As my good friend Pat Forde of ESPN.com said "someone unbuckled" on Musket Man. The third place finisher in the Kentucky Derby dropped from 14-1 to 9-1. Someone from trainer Derek Ryan's homebase in New Jersey must have dropped a lot of pesos on the colt.
Rachel Alexandra continues to slowly drift as she now stands at 2-1. At her lowest, she was 6-5 but money has started to spread out more evenly.
Here are the updates on the main contenders:
Big Drama - 10-1
Mine That Bird - 6-1
Friesan Fire - 9-1 (been either 8 or 9 all day)
Papa Clem - 15-1
Pioneerof the Nile - 6-1
Members of the overbet club:
Luv Gov - 25-1
Flying Private - 25-1
Take The Points - 16-1
Tone It Down - 21-1
As my good friend Pat Forde of ESPN.com said "someone unbuckled" on Musket Man. The third place finisher in the Kentucky Derby dropped from 14-1 to 9-1. Someone from trainer Derek Ryan's homebase in New Jersey must have dropped a lot of pesos on the colt.
Rachel Alexandra continues to slowly drift as she now stands at 2-1. At her lowest, she was 6-5 but money has started to spread out more evenly.
Here are the updates on the main contenders:
Big Drama - 10-1
Mine That Bird - 6-1
Friesan Fire - 9-1 (been either 8 or 9 all day)
Papa Clem - 15-1
Pioneerof the Nile - 6-1
Members of the overbet club:
Luv Gov - 25-1
Flying Private - 25-1
Take The Points - 16-1
Tone It Down - 21-1
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