Rachel Alexandra will run Saturday against a dozen of horse racing’s finest 3-year-old colts at Pimlico Race Course in the 134th Preakness.
“She has been special since day one,” assistant trainer Scott Blasi said Wednesday, shortly after Rachel Alexandra was made the 8-5 favorite. “She probably doesn’t have a lot left to prove against fillies.”
To say the least. Rachel Alexandra has won five consecutive races by a combined 43 1/2 lengths, including a ridiculously easy 20 1/4-length romp in the Kentucky Oaks two weeks ago.
Pitting a filly against 12 colts has pumped up interest in the Preakness. Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, who came home as a 50-1 long shot, is a fine horse. But his chances of capturing the Triple Crown appear remote, so the next best thing is a Preakness that offers an intriguing Battle of the Sexes.
Rachel Alexandra is the first Oaks winner ever to run in the Preakness. Fifty-two fillies have competed in the Preakness, and only four have won — none since Nellie Morse in 1924.
Rachel Alexandra drew the outside No. 13 post, but certainly has the speed to make up the difference over 1 3-16 miles.
