BALTIMORE (Reuters) – Champion filly Rachel Alexandra is poised to run in the Preakness Stakes after the owners of several horses set to run in the race changed their minds about entering additional colts.
The change in plans by Mark Allen, co-owner of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, and Ahmed Zayat, owner of Derby runner-up Pioneer of the Nile, opened up a spot in the field for Rachel Alexandra, Pimlico Race Course officials said yesterday.
Rachel Alexandra won the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on May 1 by a record 20-and-a-quarter lengths. The filly, who has won five consecutive races, is scheduled to be shipped from Louisville to Baltimore tomorrow on a charter flight.
Calvin Borel, who was aboard 50-1 longshot Mine That Bird in the Kentucky Derby, will ride Rachel Alexandra if the filly is entered in the Preakness tomorrow, as expected.
Mike Smith will ride Mine That Bird if Rachel Alexandra rides in Saturday’s Preakness, which has a 14-horse limit.