LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra will not run in the Belmont Stakes, opening the way for jockey Calvin Borel to return to Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in his quest for a personal Triple Crown.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
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Jess Jackson, Rachel Alexandra’s co-owner, said Friday the spectacular filly “deserves a well-earned vacation.”<o></o>
Rachel Alexandra had been set to work out Monday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, and no announcement was expected until after that. But Jackson explained the filly simply needed a rest after running — and winning — four graded stakes races since March 14, including a dominating victory in the Kentucky Oaks.<o></o>
“We know the media and many fans would have liked to see her run in the Belmont Stakes — we feel the same,” Jackson said in a statement. “But all of us sincerely interested in the horse must agree that we only want to see her run when it is best for her. While she is in great shape, having strong works, and recovering well from her amazing performances, we feel Rachel deserves a well-earned vacation.”<o></o>
Borel was the mount for both Mine That Bird in the Derby and Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness and Oaks. He was set to ride her again in the Belmont, but Mine That Bird’s trainer Chip Woolley had said he was prepared to wait — even into next week — if there was a chance Borel could become available again.<o></o>
Mine That Board will work out Monday morning, with Borel aboard.<o></o>
There was no immediate indication from Jackson on when or where Rachel Alexandra might race next.
fficeffice" /><o></o>Jess Jackson, Rachel Alexandra’s co-owner, said Friday the spectacular filly “deserves a well-earned vacation.”<o
></o>Rachel Alexandra had been set to work out Monday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, and no announcement was expected until after that. But Jackson explained the filly simply needed a rest after running — and winning — four graded stakes races since March 14, including a dominating victory in the Kentucky Oaks.<o
></o>“We know the media and many fans would have liked to see her run in the Belmont Stakes — we feel the same,” Jackson said in a statement. “But all of us sincerely interested in the horse must agree that we only want to see her run when it is best for her. While she is in great shape, having strong works, and recovering well from her amazing performances, we feel Rachel deserves a well-earned vacation.”<o
></o>Borel was the mount for both Mine That Bird in the Derby and Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness and Oaks. He was set to ride her again in the Belmont, but Mine That Bird’s trainer Chip Woolley had said he was prepared to wait — even into next week — if there was a chance Borel could become available again.<o
></o>Mine That Board will work out Monday morning, with Borel aboard.<o
></o>There was no immediate indication from Jackson on when or where Rachel Alexandra might race next.
she proved her point on the less shorter preakness , i think it was a good decision by the owners, sure don't need her to get hurt and have all this drama.
it was an odd predicament for Borel to begin with cause Mine that Bird kinda came out of nowhere and Borel already had commitments for Rachael being her main jockey and all. The trainer of Mine that Bird i think just likes Borel's style and it fits the horse, hell i read that the trainer asked Borel to talk with Smith before the Preakness and give him tips on how to get the best out of the horse and Borel said no problem.
it was an odd predicament for Borel to begin with cause Mine that Bird kinda came out of nowhere and Borel already had commitments for Rachael being her main jockey and all. The trainer of Mine that Bird i think just likes Borel's style and it fits the horse, hell i read that the trainer asked Borel to talk with Smith before the Preakness and give him tips on how to get the best out of the horse and Borel said no problem.
