After more than a week of speculation and plenty of efforts to maybe keep the filly out of the race, it is now official: Rachel Alexandra is one of the 13 horses entered for Saturday's 134th running of the Preakness Stakes.
The standout filly will try and do something no filly has done since 1924, beat the boys in the Preakness. Rachel Alexandra will run against Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and Derby runner-up Pioneer of the Nile. She will also face Derby favorite Friesan Fire, Big Drama, Flying Private, General Quarters, Luv Gov, third-place Derby finisher Musket Man, Papa Clem, Take the Points, Terrain, and Tone It Down.
Rachel Alexandra will be ridden by Calvin Borell, which was on board the filly when she won the Kentucky Oaks by about 20 lengths the Friday before the Kentucky Derby. Calvin Borell was also on board Mine That Bird which was a 50-to-1 longshot when it won the Derby. Borrell has decided to ride Rachel Alexandra for the Preakness meaning Mine That Bird will have another jockey on board for Saturday; the first time a Derby winner will have a different jockey in the Preakness.
Rachel Alexandra also becomes the first Kentucky Oaks winner to race in the Preakness.
Post positions and odds for the 134th running of the Preakness Stakes will be set later today.
