Let's not crown Rachel yet

As much as I love Rachel Alexandra, lets not get too ahead of ourselves yet. And this article makes excellent points why we should not, link. Can she become a legend? Of course, especially if she can beat the boys in a Classic race. In matter of fact when you think about it, it happens all the time overseas.

Ouija Board, Sunline, Makybe Diva, Zakava

Those four where the best fillies and mares when they where racing.

Ouija Board- Group/Grade 1 winner, 2 time Breeder's Cup Filly and Mare Turf winner, thrilling winner against Alexander Goldrun, upset DWC Electrocusionist in what would be his final start before his untimely death.

Sunline- Two time Cox Plate winner

Makybe Diva- the legendary Aussie super mare, multible Melborne Cup winner

Zakava- Undefted, Arc winner

Now in Rach's defence all four of those filles race on turf only, she has done it on dirt only. In many people's eyes she's the mordern day Ruffian, but people forget that Ruffian never lost a race. Also she lead at every call in her career, now granted what happend to her in her match race against Foolish Pleasure was a compleate accident. Fillies since her death have faced the boys, and they will continue to do so afterwards.

While we are on the subject of Foolish Pleasure, it makes me happy to say that a decedent of him Smarty Jones, will have a filly running in a prep for the Irish 1,000 Guineas this weekend. Good luck to Smart Coco and hopefully she does well.

And speaking of Smarty, Thoroughbred Times is reporting that Mill Ridge will pension his grandsire Gone West. Other then Smarty's dad Elusive Quality, Gone West is the sire of Breeder's Cup Turf winner Johar, BC Sprint winner Speightstown and many other nice horses. Link

Preakness news

Ahmed Zayat (owner of Derby second place finisher Pioneerof the Nile), may have one of his trainers enter a horse or two to keep Rach out of the race. Ironcily, one of his trainers is Steve Asmussen, the new trainer of Rach. I would not be suprised if the horse he enters is one of my favs, Professor Z. He's by Grand Slam (another Gone West foal) out the Saint Ballado mare Her Halo. The problem is, I don't think he's been working, maybe injured is my guess. It's going to be a fun week upcoming as the Battle for the Woodlawn Vase heats up. Link to an article about Pioneerof the Nile.

Friesan Fire (18th in the Derby as the favorite), is also pointing towards the Preakness, pending the outcome of his workout on Tuesday. I really don't like this move, but I'll be rooting for him.

And btw Edgar Prado will be riding my boy Take the Points in the Preakness. Excellent choice Todd, excellent choice.

Edit (1:42 PM): Mine That Bird will be getting a new jockey for the Preakness (if Rach goes), as Calvin Borel has commited to Rachel Alexandra. Link