Rachel, Rachel, I've Been Thinking...

RACHEL ALEXANDRA is a super-filly. If jockey Calvin Borel wants to ride her after pulling off one of the greatest victories in Derby history, abandoning MINE THAT BIRD whilst doing so, she must be something extraordinary.

We cannot ignore the fact that she won the Kentucky Oaks by more than twenty (20!) lengths, and new owners Jess Jackson and Harold McCormick are not crazy, their quick action in buying her tells the tale. It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to see that this girl is special, she's huge, she may even be a bully-belle when it comes to racing against the much-lauded-as-superior-to-fillies colts and geldings.

Jackson announced after the purchase plans to breed RACHEL ALEXANDRA to Preakness and Breeders Cup Classic winner CURLIN, who earned more than any other North American horse, over $10.5 million.

(Photo of RACHEL ALEXANDRA courtesy of Photos by Z)

Only 51 fillies have raced in the Preakness and only 4 of them have won what I am loathe to call 'the second jewel in the triple crown.' I hate using that term because, jeez, over the years, it's just been ground in the ground...or polytrack :)

At any rate, this gorgeous big ol' girl apparently is ready to run, and despite the dubious efforts to preclude her from the Preakness earlier in the week, she's going to run tomorrow and most likely will kick royal arse.

As a female, I would love to see that happen. However, as a former horse-business employee (I was a foreign reserach writer for The Thoroughbred Record; booked mares for Mr. Gaines and Dr. Umphenour at Gainesway Farm and also worked for Hi Petter at Hurricane Hall Stud), I know that nothing is ever for certain in Thoroughbred racing.

pray for peace in the Preakness, y'all,

Kimmy