Rachel Alexandra
… poses for Vogue …
And is declared out of the Belmont Stakes. According to a statement sent out this afternoon from owner Jess Jackson,
While she is in great shape, having strong works, and recovering well from
her amazing performances, we feel Rachel deserves a well-earned vacation.
Since March 14, Rachel has won four graded races with just two weeks rest
between her last two victories. We will always put her long-term well being
first. And, of course, we want to run her when she is fresh.
I’m not surprised (or even all that disappointed) by the decision — it makes sense — but I am that Jackson announced today. I figured he would drag the story out a little longer, perhaps until Monday. Now, Calvin Borel is free to ride Mine That Bird (and go for a jockey triple) and the rest of us can get on with obsessing over the (slightly less compelling) final leg of the Triple Crown.
As for when Rachel’ will start next, Jackson has mentioned a race at Belmont as a possibility. Perhaps the June 27 Mother Goose, then the Coaching Club American Oaks? That would score her two-thirds of the filly Triple Crown.
