Horse racing is not a sport where the words " incredible drama" are often heard. But today's Preakness had three story lines that were nothing short of fascinating.
1. Rachel Alexandra is first filly to win the Preakness stakes- In 134 years, a "lady horse" has never won the Preakness. We were close when we saw a gelding win it a few years ago, but never has a true filly won this classic race. What was most impressive about her victory is the way she did it. Rachel started at the hardest post position and quickly gained a lead. Often, this is not a good thing. Typically, you want your horse to lay back a little to conserve energy and explode at the end. Rachel exploded at the beginning and never relinquished the lead. This was similar to her win two weeks ago at the Kentucky Oaks. Remarkable stamina.
2. Calvin Borel is the best jockey in the sport right now- Think about this, Borel has won three of the last five triple crown races on three different horses. He also rode Rachel Alexandra to a big win in the Kentucky Oaks. His ability to maneuver a horse through traffic is phenomenal. He didn't have to do it much in the Preakness, but his weave on Mine That Bird in the Kentucky Derby was excellent. Say what you want about Borel's decision to leave Mine That Bird (which I myself question a little), but their is no doubt about this guys skill and incredible instincts. Now, he goes for the Jockey Triple Crown next month at the Belmont.
3. Mine that Bird is a very underrated horse- This guy wasn't supposed to come even close in the Kentucky Derby and won it. You could have chalked that up to Borel until today. After entering the Preakness a 7-1 favorite, he placed. One wonders if Mine that Bird wins if Borel doesn't bolt for Rachel Alexandra. Mine That Bird also wasn't a much of a story this week as I thought he would be. Their are potentially a few reasons for this. One could be that he was considered a flash in the pan at Kentucky. This was proven not to be the case. Another could be that Mine that Bird almost didn't run in the Preakness. It was reported not 24 hours after his win that he would bow out of the second leg. I also think it had something to do with the fact that his owner didn't give off that warm and fuzzy vibe that so many others do. So much of horse racings appeal are the stories that surround it. Mine That Bird, besides being an underdog, didn't have a great story. However, I'm curious as to why so many racing professionals swung and missed on a horse that was close to a triple crown bid.
- Jordan Lauterbach
image credit- charlotteobserver.com
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