Borel off Bird for Rachel in Preakness
 

From Churchill minutes ago. Details to follow...
--------------------------------------------
30 hours later.. But confirmed:

Edited press release

Stonestreet Stables and partner Harold T. McCormick announced May 8 that Calvin Borel has agreed to ride Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner Rachel Alexandra for the current racing season. Also, Stonestreet said it plans to run the filly in the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), contingent upon her continuing to train well up to the race.

In making the decision, Borel selected the filly over Mine That Bird, whom he rode to an upset victory in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and is being pointed toward the preakness.

“It came down to the facts that he knows and loves this horse, that he knows how to get the most from her and he knows how to win,’’ said Jess Jackson of Stonestreet Stables and proprietor of Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates. “They were an amazing team at the Kentucky Oaks—winning by over 20 lengths. We think this is a perfect match of rider and horse.’’

Jackson said Rachel Alexandra will continue her workout schedule under trainer Steve Asmussen. “If she continues to be in perfect condition, our intention will be to run her in the Preakness,” Jackson said, adding that the final decision would be made next week.

Somebody else asked in the other thread, is this the first time a jockey has done that?

steve i heard last night the Albarado was going to ride her , why do you think the connections of RA changed their mind?

Just glad they let Borel keep the mount.

Love those post-race interviews.

I am happy for Borel getting the RA mount. Do we know that Assmussen is definitely training her? If he is it is a good move for Calvin - increases his book. Maybe he could ride more for Assmussen (assuming he would want to). I feel bad for the Mine that Bird connections losing Borel, especially when they specifically sought him out.

I am overall disgusted with the sale to Jackson - I understand why, hey if someone offered me a boat load of cash, I'd check out, too, but to Jackson? It really does put a pall over her....

does the girl get to ride MTB again Steve ?

Well if Albarado gets the mount on MTB, you can forget about any more rail-skimming rides.

OMG that would be hilarious... but I'm sure he'll get a top jockey.

This is freaking awesome. I can even put up with ASSMAN as long as it means RA is taking on the boys now.. so cool.

Well we definately know who the favorite will be in the Preakness.

No-brainer fo Borel, IMO. As for the connections of MTB, I wouldnt doubt if they got one of their choice of the best available. Or who knows, maybe Ken Tohill or one of the Sunland regulars comes to ride?

MTB A jock for Pimilco, as long as it's not Mario Pino.

??????

In all honesty folks, Calvin Borel was and is a very ordinary rider right up until last weekend. Really this is not as big a deal as it will no doubt be reported.

thats what i was thinking, absoultely not a shocker

as for who's gonna ride the bird, i think fogelsonger is off suspension now, who cares

-bt-

i'd rather seen calvin stay on MTB. it's a better story, anyone can win on RA.

This is awesome stuff! So many storylines for the Preakness, a race that was looking to come up a dud.

I hope Chantal gets the mount on Bird so they can do an epsiode of "Jockeys" at Pimlico.

Are we all in agreement that Borel had a significant impact in Mine that Bird's Derby win? If so, this has to be a VERY big deal.

The question is, if she wins, will Sports Illustrated put her on the cover too

any updates? is she a lock to run in the Preakness?