LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Rachel Alexandra looks ready to challenge the boys in the Preakness. Owner Jess Jackson, however, isn’t sure his superstar filly will get the chance.
Jackson declared the Kentucky Oaks winner primed for the second jewel of the Triple Crown after an easy four-furlong workout Sunday at Churchill Downs.
Rachel Alexandra covered the half-mile in 48.40 seconds under exercise rider Dominic Terry, a work trainer Steve Asmussen called “beautiful.” It was all the evidence Jackson needed to send the 3-year-old filly to Pimlico for the 1- 3/16th mile race.
The process of getting a horse into a Triple Crown race, however, could leave Rachel Alexandra on the outside looking in when the field heads to the starting gate Saturday.
“Since it’s Mother’s Day, I wish I could announce to all mothers everywhere that this incredible filly is entered to take on the boys,” Jackson said in a statement. “But Triple Crown rules may prevent us from sending her to Pimlico.”
The Preakness is limited to 14 horses, with preference given to horses pre-nominated to the Triple Crown. While Jackson is willing to pay the $100,000 fee required to make Rachel Alexandra eligible for the race, she may get bumped if 14 horses already nominated to the series are entered.
The probable Preakness field swelled to 15 on Sunday, including 14 pre-nominated horses and Rachel Alexandra. Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas said he plans to enter a second colt, Luv Gov, in addition to Flying Private, who finished last in the Derby.
Mine That Bird co-owner Mark Allen, however, told the Thoroughbred Times he’s considering entering Indy Express into the Preakness to keep Rachel Alexandra from running. Allen said his motives are professional, not personal.
Jockey Calvin Borel, who guided the 50-1 longshot gelding to a stunning 6 3/4-length win in the Run for the Roses, has already agreed to pilot Rachel Alexandra for the rest of the year. Borel went along for the ride as Rachel Alexandra won the Oaks by a record 20 1/4 lengths May 1.
“I just want my rider back,” Allen told the publication.
