Owner wants Rachel Alexandra in Saturday's Preakness, but Derby winners may block plan

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 following 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, who he purchased last week for an undisclosed sum, to Pimlico for the 1-3/16th mile race.

Rachel Alexandra, with Calvin Borel aboard, heads down the home stretch well ahead of the Kentucky Oaks field May 1 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Borel rode Mine That Bird to victory in the Kentucky Derby the following day. (DAVID J. PHILLIP ~ Associated Press)

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 afternoon.

"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 supplemental fee required to make Rachel Alexandra eligible for the race, she may get bumped if 14 horses already nominated to the series are entered.

Pimlico officials estimated Saturday that 13 horses, including Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and runner-up Pioneerof the Nile, were going to be entered, leaving one spot open for Rachel Alexandra.

Mine That Bird co-owner Mark Allen, however, told the Thoroughbred Times he's considering entering another of his horses, Indy Express, into the Preakness to keep Rachel Alexandra from running.

Calvin Borel rides Rachel Alexandra to a victory in the Kentucky Oaks race at Churchill Downs Friday, May 1, 2009, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Allen said his motives are professional, not personal.

Jockey Calvin Borel, who guided the 50-1 long shot gelding to a stunning 6 3/4-length win in the Run for the Roses, has 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.

Mine That Bird trainer Bennie Woolley Jr. has selected a backup rider just in case, but plans on naming Borel the jockey during the Preakness draw Wednesday.

Pimlico oddsmaker Frank Carulli said he would make Rachel Alexandra the morning line favorite if she enters. Nellie Morse in 1924 was the last filly to win the Preakness.

Genuine Risk in 1980 and Winning Colors in 1988, who both came to Baltimore as Kentucky Derby winners, went off as the betting favorites in the Preakness but didn't win.

The most recent filly to go against the boys in the Peakness was Excellent Meeting in 1999. She finished last after being pulled up by jockey Kent Desormeaux.

Jackson, who owned 2007 Preakness winner Curlin, remains optimistic his stables' newest star will get a chance to run.

"I want the fans to know we are prepared to enter her, and I am hopeful that her entry will be accepted," Jackson said. "I know we all want the thrill of seeing her race next weekend."

The last filly to enter a Triple Crown race was Eight Belles, who broke both of her front legs moments after finishing second to Big Brown in the 2008 Kentucky Derby.