JC / Railbird

Belmont Stakes

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.

Posted in Racing on May 29, 2009 / Tagged Belmont Stakes, Media, Rachel Alexandra, Triple Crown

Belmont Undercard

Shaping up well, according to NYRA notes:

True North Handicap: Desert Key, Disco’s Son, Fabulous Strike, Kodiak Kowboy, Per Incanto, Silver Edition and Sixthirteen.

Just A Game Stakes (turf): Captain’s Lover (SAF), Carribean Sunset (IRE), Diamondrella (GB), Forever Together, Modern Look (GB) and My Princess Jess.

Acorn Stakes: Be Fair, Devotee, Doremifasollatido, Dream Play, Funny Moon, Just Jenda and Justwhistledixie.

Woody Stephens Stakes: Hello Broadway, Hull, Mr. Fantasy, Munnings, Regal Ransom and This Ones For Phil.

Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap (inner turf): Better Talk Now, Court Vision, Cowboy Cal, Gio Ponti, Grand Couturier (GB), Interpatation, Lauro (GER) and Premium Gold.

Interesting to see Hello Broadway pop up as a possible for the Woody Stephens following the Peter Pan, a race in which he set wild fractions of :44.89 and 1:08.93 before finishing fourth. (“Who would have thought he would run off like that?” said trainer Barclay Tagg after. “In every race, it’s always been something with him.” Wonder what he’ll do this start?)

Posted in Racing on May 28, 2009 / Tagged Belmont Park, Belmont Stakes, Hello Broadway, Undercard

Borel Sums Up the Preakness

“Boo might not be too smart,” he cackled into the phone, “but he knows what he’s talking about when it comes to horses.”

Meanwhile, trainers and riders await Monday, when it may be announced whether Rachel Alexandra is likely for the Belmont and who will get the call on Mine That Bird. “If Calvin is available, we want to give him the opportunity.”

Posted in Racing on May 21, 2009 / Tagged Belmont Stakes, Calvin Borel, Preakness, Rachel Alexandra