Superstar filly Rachel Alexandra has changed owners and trainers, and the Kentucky Oaks winner might run against males May 16 in the Preakness Stakes.
“Her ability allows for a tremendous number of options,” new trainer Steve Asmussen told the Daily Racing Form.
Jess Jackson, who owned two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, and Harold McCormick bought Rachel Alexandra Wednesday from Dolphus Morrison and Michael Lauffer in a private purchase. She was transferred Thursday morn ing from Hal Wiggins to Asmussen at Churchill Downs.
Jackson watched the bay with the white star and white blaze gallop on a sloppy track. “She’s a graceful athlete,” he said. “She moves like a ballerina and has the size of some of the colts … No decision has been made on any race or on a rider.”
Maryland Jockey Club executive Mike Gathagan said a representative of Jackson’s Stonestreet Stable contacted Pimlico Tuesday and inquired about a Preakness supplement of an unspecified horse.
Not since 1924 has a filly won the Preakness, and none has tried in 10 years. Rachel Alexandra, who dominated the Oaks by 20ΒΌ lengths Friday without ever being asked to run, might be favored. Chip Woolley Jr., trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, hopes she doesn’t come to Baltimore.
“I think any man would be crazy to want to run against her,” Woolley said Thursday. “I told people that day I was glad she didn’t run in the Derby.”
After sweeping the Oaks and Derby, jockey Calvin Borel was asked which horse he’d prefer if he ever had to choose. “I’d ride her,” Borel said without hesitation. “I think she’s the best horse in the country right now.”
So does Eric Fein, the Jericho resident who owns Preakness runner Musket Man. “People are saying she might be the best horse, girl or boy, and I agree.”
The filly’s possible presence creates an intriguing set of subplots for the 134th Preakness. She is not nominated to the Triple Crown, so she would have to be supplemented for $100,000. That wouldn’t deter Jackson, but unlike the Derby, whose maximum is 20 runners, the Preakness’ field is limited to 14. If 14 Triple Crown nominees were entered, Rachel Alexandra would be shut out. As of Thursday afternoon, there were nine confirmed starters and two probables, Pioneerof the Nile and Friesan Fire.
Woolley said if she runs at Pimlico and Borel chooses her over Mine That Bird, there would be no hard feelings. “I’d hate the situation Calvin would be put in if that happens,” Woolley said, “but it’s part of the business. If he decides to ride that filly, I wouldn’t blame him. I’d wish him the very best.”
But there’s no guarantee that Borel would be Asmussen’s choice, because they rarely team up. Shaun Bridgmohan is Asmussen’s main man, with Robby Albarado his other regular.
“We’re just waiting to see what happens,” Woolley said. He has plenty of company.
