Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Monday, May 18, 2009

Yes She Can



Mine That Bird and Rachel Alexandra battle to the finish line. Photo by Bill Frohes/SI

Wonder-filly Rachel Alexandra beat the boys by taking the Preakness on Saturday. Although her victory spoiled the hope of a new Triple Crown winner, the horse thrilled the crowd as the first filly to win the Preakness in 85 years.

Near the finish line, Mine That Bird, the Derby winner, made a bid to take the lead and had the race been longer, may have succeeded. But the day truly belonged to the big bay, Rachel Alexandra. Interestingly, Calvin Borel, the jockey who rode Mine That Bird in the Derby "jumped horse" (so to speak) at the opportunity to pilot the filly, assessing her to be the best horse on the track.

It is unclear yet whether Rachel Alexandra will run the Belmont, the third race in the famed Triple Crown. But the real question is...will Calvin Borel ride it?

He's the only one that could become a Triple Crown winner...as a jockey.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

He's obviously a good jockey and could sense the filly had the race within her scope. Good for her!

The Word Place said...

Yes, I heard about the race from the house elf, who watched it of course!
I'm not knowledgeable about racing and those who ride the beautiful horses, but I know it takes skill beyond appearance. Thanks for posting the neck-and-neck finish pic!