She did it!!!!!!! She stared straight into the eyes of over 80 years of history (not to mention 12 colts) and REFUSED to be denied! Right from the start she had to prove she was everything she had been billed as, being forced to move quickly from the outside post and winding up in a speed duel with inside runner Big Drama, setting opening splits of :23.13 and :46.71. NOTHING could stop her though as she powered to a 4 length lead in the stretch and held off late charges from Musket Man and Mine That Bird to prevail in 1:55.08. A lesser horse would have collapsed under the pressure. Hell, many a fine horse would have collapsed under the pressure, but not Rachel. It was a win for the ages, and one that has the potential to put horse racing back on the map in terms of national recognition, even if only for a fleeting moment.
The past 3 years I’ve been blessed to witness firsthand the finest thoroughbred racing action a fan could hope for in the yearly running of the Preakness. In 2007 I came to cheer my guts out for my hero, Curlin, and was thrilled beyond belief when he caught Kentucky Derby champion Street Sense at the wire. In 2008 we came to see Big Brown ”big boy”a field of pretenders and keep the elusive Triple Crown dream alive. Today was as big a day as I’ve ever been a part of, as the amazing filly Rachel Alexandra gave us one for the ages. No matter where we go from here, we can always say “I remember watching when Rachel Alexandra made history!” I’m on record as saying that in my opinion, the Preakness is the true test of a 3-year-old champion, as the field size and distance make it a more evenly matched race compared to the chaos of the Kentucky Derby and the exhausting (and often somewhat unpredictable) challenge of the Belmont.
Just like with Curlin in 2007, the minute the field turned for home I began jumping up and down, screaming at the top of my lungs. “Stay up there Rachel!!!! Dig in, girl, dig in!!!! Show ‘em what you’re made of, baby girl!!!! Yes!!!! YESSSS!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!” “IT’S A FILLY IN THE PREAKNESS!!!!!!!”
This was immediately followed by the same overwhelming and unavoidable tears of joy and pride that permeated my experience with her soon-to-be boyfriend’s Preakness victory. Yes, I wept a little bit, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Watching magnificent horses that I’ve fallen in love with prevail in their defining moments has that effect on me. I suppose it’s a bit like a proud parent, watching their child achieve scholastic honor, or athletic glory on the football field.
I know one word can’t summarize what we witnessed, but all I’m left thinking is “WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!” (or perhaps more in accordance with the “parlance of our times”, I should revise that to a resounding “DAAAAAAAYUMMMM!!!!!” ) 
Whoever said a filly couldn’t beat the boys, huh? Of course, Rachel isn’t your ordinary filly, but to overcome that outside post, look Big Drama in the eye (who was coming off 5 consecutive victories, mind you, and was the most talked about “buzz horse” all week at Pimlico) and deny him, and then power to an insurmountable lead in the stretch while holding off the Kentucky Derby winner? It’s absolutely breathtaking. If it can be said that Big Brown “big boy’d” the field of the ’08 Preakness, than Rachel Alexandra “big girl’d” the field of Preakness 134.
THIS is the reason we are horse racing fans. THIS is the reason our sport is the best in the world. THIS is the reason we lay awake at night dreaming about what is, what might be, and what could have been.
What an unbelievable filly. Where she goes from here is anyone’s guess. Might she head to the Belmont? Personally I’d actually prefer they give her a rest. I think she’s earned it now with her dominating wins in the Kentucky Oaks and the Preakness. No need to push things. That being said, if Jess Jackson and trainer Steve Asmussen (who I’m told was wearing the exact same suit that he did for Curlin’s 2007 Preakness victory) decide to send her, you’ll hear no argument from me. They made all the right moves with Curlin, and they’ve clearly done so with Rachel Alexandra thus far. And to think, none of this would have transpired had Jackson not stepped up to the plate and purchased her just two weeks ago.
I guess it’s no secret now that she has proven herself exactly who we thought she is, I’m hoping to see her come home safe and sound once her racing career is over so that she can breed a new line of magnificent offspring with Curlin. Can you believe it? We’re going to have foals several years from now that have Preakness winners for both a mother and a father! My knowledge of pre-World War 2 horse racing is extremely limited, but I’m guessing that’s never happened before.
This, my friends, is a total game changer for the entire sport!
I also have to tip my hat to the “little colt who could”, 2nd place finisher Mine That Bird. Talk about a horse who has EARNED respect these last two weeks. His effort in the Preakness proves that there is no such thing as a Kentucky Derby “fluke”, no matter how much we might want to suggest there is. Clearly he is a magnificent race horse in his own right, and I’ll tell you what, the way he came charging late he should be feared and respected in the Belmont.
I also thought Musket Man proved he’s the same gutsy competitor we thought he was. Remember back to our Alibi Breakfast coverage on Thursday where owner Vic Carlson indicated he was betting Musket Man to show? Looks like that turned out just like he said it would.
I’m no longer so sure exactly what we have with Pioneer of the Nile, Papa Clem, and Friesan Fire, as none of them wound up finishing in the money.
All in all this was a magnificent weekend for the sport, and for Maryland racing, which always holds a special place in my heart. Just when both needed a savior (horse racing in general from a slew of disappointments/tragedies in recent years on the national stage, and Maryland racing in light of the recent bankruptcy filings of Magna Entertainment, which owns both Pimlico and Laurel Park), a wonder horse has appeared like a knight in shining armor.
I wish I could find the entire clip on youtube to share with you all, but in reference to that last sentence, I’m humored by a random quote that came to mind as Amy and I drove to the Preakness early this morning. For some reason the World War 2 classic “A Bridge Too Far” popped into my mind, and I began quoting some random lines. I made reference to the scene in the film where General Horrocks suggests that the plan for Operation Market Garden reminds him of an American old west film. “The paratroops, lacking supplies, are the besieged homesteaders. The Germans, well, naturally they are the bad guys. And XXX Corps….we are the CAVALRY!” This was immediately followed by a very bad Michael Caine impersonation, where I suggested that XXX Corps should arrive “right on shed-yule” (that’s “schedule” for us Yanks, but the way Caine speaks the line in full English accent comes off sounding like “shed-yule”….it’s quite addictive to impersonate as it just rolls off the tongue, but I digress).
“Right on shed-yule” indeed, and just when we needed it the most. Thank you Rachel, and the little horse who could (Mine That Bird). The two of you have both been the cavalry we so desperately needed, and your chivalric charges through the Kentucky Derby and Preakness stretches are memories that we’ll keep with us for eternity.
Of course, I can’t talk about amazing women like Rachel without tipping my hat to two other special gals who helped make the weekend what it was. Most importantly I’m talking about my beloved wife, Amy, who puts up with my rambling rants about horse racing and accompanies me as my right hand wherever the game takes me. True to form, in the midst of our dreadful opening to the day handicapping wise, she pulled an exacta play out of nowhere by boxing numbers that equated to our children’s birthdays.
At one point in between the Pick 4 sequences, I was so bummed out about our picks that I considered not even betting anymore for the day. It’s part of our my complex mental makeup that I both love handicapping, but hate losing money on burnt tickets. Remember that “right on shed-yule” theme from a few paragraphs above? It played out again during the extended downtime between races 8 and 9 on the card.
Just as we were agonizing over how to proceed with the late Pick 4, some familiar music began to pipe through the tents of the Turfside Terrace. ZZ Top had taken the stage to perform, and were jamming out to “give me all your loving, all your hugs and kisses too.” It was at that point that we knew the rest of the day would be ours. You see, back in 2002 when we were married, our ceremony was outdoors. Just as we began exchanging vows, a vehicle pulled up within earshot blaring that very song. Amy and I had remained oblivious to this turn of events as we went through the exchange (nerves having evidently temporarily disabled our ability to hear anything but each other), but it’s something our guests have never forgotten. Nor have they ever let us forget.
With that in mind, the moment that familiar sound reached our ears, we looked at each other and agreed “we came here to play, this is OUR day. No regrets!” And with that, we launched into a series of winning plays that got us back to near even for the day. You know the saying….behind every decent man there’s an even better woman. Well, I’m not sure if I qualify as a ”decent guy”, but I know damn well how special my girl is.
Amy and I at the 2009 Preakness, where Rachel Alexandra would make history as the first filly since Nellie Morse in 1924 to win horse racing's 2nd jewel of the Triple Crown
There’s one other special lady I have to give a big shout out to again, and that’s Carrie Everly of the Maryland Jockey Club. I know I mentioned her before in our Black Eyed Susan write-up, but she’s the type of person you simply can’t say enough about. If only there was some way to clone her so that each track in the nation could have a VP of Marketing like her. After Rachel’s victory, I ran into her near the winner’s circle, and shared a big “bear hug” while I confided to her that watching Rachel win had moved me to tears of joy and pride. I probably didn’t even need to say that, as Carrie is just one of those people who “gets it”, whatever “it” might be. One can always count on the warm smile, the friendly demeanor, and the infectous charm she exudes wherever you see her, whether that be outside the paddock between races or multitasking with walki-talki in hand as a crowd begins to arrive. No matter how busy she is, she always has time for us, the little guys. After all, who are we but small time horse players and fans? And yet she treats us like absolute royalty. I just hope that somehow, or in some way I’ll one day be able to repay that kindness and properly express my gratitude.
On a day when an amazing filly shined on the track, the Maryland Jockey Club had their own super-gal working behind the scenes to make sure it all came together as beautifully as it did.
Yours truly and the amazing Carrie Everly, VP of Marketing for the Maryland Jockey Club
And of course, it would only be proper to conclude by saying that everything went off “right on shed-yule”
Now if only I had a picture of me with my arm around Rachel Alexandra, right? I guess a guy can only be so lucky in one day. I’ve got no complaints from where I’m standing.
I’ll be taking the next few days off here. It’s been quite a run covering the Alibi Breakfast, Black Eyed Susan Day, and Preakness Day. I hope you all enjoyed. Up next we’ll start to swing our attention towards the 2009 Belmont.
I hope they don’t run her at Belmont. She looked much too tired/beat (head down ears to side) after the race, am I the only one who noticed that?? Calvin even said that she was getting real exausted near the end of the stretch. I was for Rachel running in the Preakness, BUT they should think about the foals now, that her and Curlin can produce!! I would hold back, and maybe run at Saratoga, and/or think of the BC. Other than that, no reason to take any chances now. She proved enough. Most people should realize that, Kevin you included. I vote NO Belmont Stakes for Rachel, think about a little later in the year, and think about foals!
I agree, Roblejeune (good to see you, by the way), which is why I said:
“…Personally I’d actually prefer they give her a rest. I think she’s earned it now with her dominating wins in the Kentucky Oaks and the Preakness. No need to push things….”
Calvin said he thought she just didn’t like the track and that she was struggling a bit. It was also the first time she’s ever really been asked for anything. He also said he had no worries about her in the Belmont, but I agree with you…let’s give her a rest. She’s proven she’s the best 3-year-old in the nation.
Besides….Belmont…..man, the word alone envokes heartache. Smarty Jones, Curlin, Big Brown (and that’s just recent memory), not to mention it’s THE place where the filly of all fillies, Ruffian, broke down.
I say let her rest….and your Saratoga idea sounds BRILLIANT! Can you imagine the Queen at Saratoga? What a race that would be.
One of my burning questions that I intend to expand upon later on is how exactly a synthetic track like Santa Anita would feel to a horse like Rachel? With Calvin saying that she prefers a “hard” track, I’m guessing the synthetics would not be to her liking, which means the Breeders’ Cup (getting waaaaay ahead of myself here, but either BC “Classic”, ladies or mixed) might not be ideal for her.
Of course, neither was Pimlico, according to Calvin, and she still managed to grind it out in convincing style.
Oh my…in keeping with the “right on shed-yule” theme, guess what’s on AMC RIGHT NOW????
A Bridge Too Far!!!!
This week has been incredible. I can’t wait until next year!
Can’t believe the exctor paid $40. There is a GOD!
Thoroughly enjoyed your entertaining Preakness report. Your passion for this great game shines through. And I loved the photos too. Thanks!
At this point, I’d have to agree with you. I think it would be better if they skip the Belmont with Rachel also. There are plenty of other big things she can do this year. Don’t need to cram it all into five weeks!
So glad Rachel won, and that Mine That Bird took a VERY impressive second! I couldn’t believe how little respect he was given leading up to the race, barely anyone gave him a shot for even second unless the track came up sloppy again! I actually hit the exacta this time (miracles do happen!!) but Pioneer Of The Nile killed my Trifecta. I wonder what’s up with his sup-par performance?
I hope Rachel does go on to the Belmont if she is still physicaly well. Calvin said right after the race that she was struggling with the track but not tired from it, and after the race she looked pretty energetic to me. I watched two different panels on TV annalizing the race afterwards and they all said the same thing: “she doesn’t even look tired!” She wasn’t even sweating that much after her victory. If she did run in the Belmont imagine what that would do for the sport after the Preakness performance?! The two “champions of the people” slugging it out again, and this time I would bet the crowd will be montrous, and the TV ratings through the roof! I personally am rooting for a big “Rachel return” in the Belmont!! (-:
I keep getting the feeling that they will send her to the Belmont if she is sound….man, that’s going to make me nervous.
Brian – Pioneer killed my trifecta too. He was arguably the biggest disappointment of the Preakness. I know many folks were picking him to win the whole thing. I was also disappointed with Take the Points finish, as I thought he had a shot to hit the board at very long odds.
Interesting debate about whether she was tired or not…in hindsight it does seem that Borel thought she just didn’t like the track. They didn’t water the track because they were expecting periodic rain (and indeed it looked all day like it was just about to start, and all we got was a sprinkling as they were going to post).
If she, Musket Man, and Mine That Bird all go to the Belmont, the trifecta would seem a fairly obvious play to hammer about a dozen times. Although I’d probably put both Rachel and The Bird in 1st and 2nd positions.
[...] Before we reach that destination, there’s still some exciting action left to cover in the wake of the historic finish in the 2009 Preakness. [...]
[...] but I’ll trust the expression is not lost upon the reader. After witnessing history with Rachel Alexandra’s triumph in the Preakness last weekend, we return this weekend with the undefeated Zenyatta, or as I like to call her [...]
[...] sets up the potential for an eventual showdown between the 5-year-old daughter of Street Cry and Preakness champion Rachel Alexandra in one of the Breeders’ Cup Classic races this fall. Only time will tell if that will be a [...]
[...] true (at least as a blanket statement)? They said the same thing about the Preakness, and then Rachel went out and dominated. I don’t recall hearing anyone in France being concerned that Zarkava was facing boys in [...]
[...] my Preakness trifecta. Big mistake. He once again thundered home in the stretch and if not for the ability of the super filly Rachel Alexandra may have had his own date with Triple Crown destiny. For his efforts in those races, I’ve [...]
[...] that in the just the past month we’ve had Payton d’Oro win the Black Eyed Susan (G2), Rachel Alexandra become the first filly champion of the Preakness since Nellie Morse in 1924, and now Gabby’s Golden Gal prevails in the Grade 1 Acorn [...]
[...] Hopefully I’m not alone in this excitement. I can think of no greater message that we, the fans, could send to horse racing to say “yes, it is about the horses” than to show up in force to welcome Rachel back in her first race since making history in the Preakness. [...]
[...] d’Oro, winner of the G2 Black Eyed Susan on Preakness weekend, looks to continue the strong run of Medaglia d’Oro 3-year-old fillies as she drops [...]
[...] those concerns to bed by romping from gate to wire, holding off the Kentucky Derby winner to become the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness. Moreover, she instantly established herself as the most popular 3-year-old in the nation, as [...]
[...] 36 hours, suffice to say there hasn’t been a good deal of time available for fact checking) the Preakness champion had scared away most of her competition. Eyebrows were raised that the race was even being run, [...]
[...] Rachel’s brilliance in wiring the boys in her historic Preakness win [...]
[...] makes me think that Rachel might not want to run her eyeballs out in the early going of the Haskell the way she had to from post position 13 in the Preakness. She’s in a better spot here with post position #6 to either grab the lead, if no one else [...]
[...] rain experienced earlier in the day, but having seen what this filly can do in the Kentucky Oaks, the Preakness, and the Mother Goose, I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that the final time was [...]
[...] filly division could throw at her. She’s toyed with the 3-year-old boys in becoming the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness Stakes, and the 2nd filly in 42 years to prevail in the Haskell Invitational. The only worlds left for [...]
[...] notes: -First filly in 8 decades to win the Preakness -2nd filly in 42 years to win the Haskell -first filly EVER to defeat older males in the [...]
[...] we weren’t cashing as many tickets as we usually do, but when Rachel came out of the gate looking to “big girl” the boys from her first step all the way to the wire – it wound up being a day like no [...]
R A I BELIEVE SHOULD BE THE HORSE OF THE YEAR BECAUSE ZENYETTA HAD A CHANCE IN MAY TO RUN AGAINST HER AND CHICKENED OUT. THAT SHOWS ME THAT SHE DOES NOT DESERVE THIS HONOR!