Jackson passes on Belmont with Rachel Alexandra

[Dunbar]

Originally Posted by Rupert Pupkin

It's just common sense in my opinion. She just ran a really hard race against the boys on only two weeks rest. To bring her back in 3 weeks and ask her to run 1 1/2 miles would simply be asking too much. I can't tell you for sure that she wouldn't win, but I think there is a high probability that it would totally knock her out and then she probably wouldn't be able to run for a few months. The risk/reward of running her in the Belmont simply is not there IMO.

Rupert, you know I'm usually a big advocate of running them on what today is called 'short rest'. But in this case I tend to agree with you. I think we're more likely to see her in interesting races down the road if she doesn't run in the Belmont.

I don't think Jackson will jump at the chance to retire her prematurely for some minor or phantom injury, either. That would seriously dent his stated goal of producing the next wave of sound thoroughbreds, by way of Curlin and Rachel.

--Dunbar