Borel bullish on Mine That Birds Belmont chances
Calvin Borel, who will be back aboard Mine That Bird for the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, says the Kentucky Derby-winner is primed for another triumph.
Were going to win, no questions asked, Borel said after a workout on Monday at Churchill Downs, where Mine That Bird did a half-mile in 50 seconds.
He worked in :50 and out in 1:02, just like before the Derby, Borel said. He is doing everything the same. After those two hard races I think he is very happy.
Borel piloted 50-1 shot Mine That Bird to a stunning upset win in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Then in an unprecedented move, he dumped his Derby-winning mount to ride super filly Rachel Alexandra to victory in the second jewel of US flat racings Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes.
Mine That Bird was a hard-charging second in the Preakness, and when Rachel Alexandras connections opted not to run her in the arduous 1 1/2-mile Belmont Borel switched back to the gelding.
Now in Elmont, New York, on Saturday, Borel will be trying to become the first jockey to win all three legs of the Triple Crown on two horses.
Trainer Chip Woolley thinks Mine That Bird may be even fitter now than he was for the Kentucky Derby.
I was thinking last week, hes probably training better than he did going into the Derby, Woolley said. Calvin got the work I wanted out of him this morning. They just looked like they were bread and butter.
Said Borel: Me and the horse fit good.
Borel was to travel to New York on Monday, where his Belmont week was to include ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
