Rachel, handle, exposure... it's all there

[Travis Stone]

How many times did you hear or read how going to the Preakness was not in her best interests, or made no sense, or there was no point.

Imagine if she was never bought by Jess Jackson. Mine That Bird would not of had the pace to close in on, Musket Man would have likely been the Preakness winner and the buzz surrounding this year's Preakness would be non-existent.

Handle on the card yesterday was exceptionally strong - this stuff works. Having big match-ups, big names, stars - it works.

Now I read in various locations how going to the Belmont makes no sense with Rachel Alexandra. Huh?

Kudos to Jess Jackson for putting her in a spot where she belonged. And provided she is healthy and no worse for the wear, I hope it's the Belmont next.

It's weekends like this which prove horse racing still has a place.