Rachel Alexandra works out; no word on Belmont
Its still a waiting game for Rachel Alexandra and jockey Calvin Borel to see if one or both will be in the Belmont Stakes.
Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra worked a half-mile at Churchill Downs on Monday, but the fillys owner says it may be another week before he decides whether to enter her in the final leg of the Triple Crown on June 6.
Jess Jackson said Rachel Alexandra is progressing well and will work again next week before a decision is made on the Belmont.
Jackson and Harold McCormick bought Rachel Alexandra after she won the Kentucky Oaks by 20 lengths May 1. On May 16, she became the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness, with Borel guiding her to a one-length victory over Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. Mike Smith replaced Borel aboard Mine That Bird in the Preakness.
Shes recovering nicely and I think, for the time thats elapsed, only nine days, shes right onbut we cant make a decision until we know, said Jackson, who owns Stonestreet Stable. My concern is her attitude. She thinks she can run through a brick wall, so her attitude has to be monitored. If anything, we have to hold her back a little bit because shes so eager to run.
Borel is waiting on a decision about the fillys status before he decides who hes going to ride in the 1 1/2 -mile Belmont.
Rachel Alexandra worked the half-mile in 50.20 seconds over a sloppy track under exercise rider Dominic Terry. Mine That Bird worked the same distance in 51 seconds under Borel.
If Rachel Alexandra does not run in the Belmont, which would give her a shot at becoming the first filly to win two-thirds of the Triple Crown, Jackson said the Mother Goose Stakes for fillies at Belmont Park on June 27 is an option.
It might not be as soon as youd want but were still considering the Belmont, Jackson said. The Mother Goose would give her a little extra time if she needs it. The Belmont would be a full (effort) for her right now.
With the no-decision, Mine That Bird trainer Chip Woolley gave Borel more time to decide which horse hell ride in the Belmont. Woolley had set a Monday deadline for the jockey.
He won me a Derby, he deserves the time it takes for him to make the conscious, right decision, Woolley said. And nobody knows really if that fillys going to be running in the Belmont, so it could work out where thats not even a decision for him. I think a little bit of times not too much to ask.
No jockey has ever won the Triple Crown by riding different horses.
If Borel chooses Mine That Bird, then Jackson will go with Robby Albarado if the filly runs in the Belmont. Smith will be riding at Hollywood Park on Belmont day.
Calvin is a great jockey and I hope hed be willing to go with her, Jackson said. He has to make his decision for himself and if were in there together and hes not on our horse itll probably be Robby Albarado, who was with us with Curlin.
Albarado is one of the top riders used by Steve Asmussen, who took over as the fillys trainer after the horse was sold.
Jackson said Rachel Alexandra will give him a sign whether or not the Belmont is next.
We have to monitor her and make sure that we preserve her because shes so special; the principal concern is the horse herself, keeping her sound and letting the public enjoy her, he said. Its not necessary that she go in the Belmont, shes got a whole season ahead. Shes been running the whole year so we have to monitor that very carefully.
