BloodHorse.com | Horse Racing News

Borel Works Mine That Bird; Mount Still Open

Jockey Calvin Borel, who is in the enviable position of being considered to ride the country's two best 3-year-olds in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), was aboard Monday, May 25 as Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird worked four furlongs in :51.

Dogwood, Saylor to Race Bird's Brother

The Yonaguska half-brother to Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird, which brought $485,000 from Dogwood Stable president Cot Campbell at the recent Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale of 2-year-olds in training, will be raced in partnership by Dogwood and Paul Saylor.

Frommer Tops F-T Sale With Quality Horses

Cary Frommer, a Georgia-based pinhooker who is moving to South Carolina soon, was the leading consignor at the recent Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale of 2-year-olds in training in Maryland. She sold 19 of the 22 horses she offered for $1,850,500.

Zito Pair Work Toward Belmont

Robert V. LaPenta's Brave Victory and Miner's Escape breezed a half-mile in company on the main track at Belmont Park May 21 as they prepped for a start in the $1 million Belmont Stakes (gr. I) on June 6.

'Big Horse' Boost for First-Crop Sires?

MAHUBAH'S CORNER, by Avalyn Hunter

Thanks to Mine That Bird and Rachel Alexandra, respectively, both Birdstone and Medaglia d'Oro have achieved the distinction of becoming Classic sires with their first crops. But how much of a boost will it really give them?

'Rachel,' 'Bird' Both Gallop at Churchill

It was a day for racing royalty at Churchill Downs on May 20 as Blackberry Preakness (gr. I) and Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner Rachel Alexandra returned to track for a gallop, and Mine That Bird, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and a fast-closing runner-up in the Preakness, continued to show his spirit during his first gallop since the race.

Mine That Bird Jogs, Rachel Alexandra Walks

After two days off and a 9 1/2-hour van ride from Baltimore, Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird returned to the track at Churchill Downs for a light jog Tuesday, May 19. Meanwhile, Rachel Alexandra walked under Asmussen's shedrow on her second day back at Churchill.

Haskin's Preakness Recap: Remarkable Rachel

Rachel Carson, author of "Silent Spring," wrote: "One way to open your eyes is to ask yourself, 'What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again'?"

Mine That Bird Loses Another Rider

For the second race in a row, Mine That Bird's connections must look for a different rider, as Mike Smith has decided to honor his commitment and ride Jerry and Ann Moss' Madeo in the Charlie Whittingham Stakes (gr. IT) at Hollywood Park the same day as the Belmont Stakes (gr. I).

Preakness Yields Bountiful Handle Increases

Wagering was up on several segments of the Preakness day card, according to data released May 18 by Maryland Jockey Club officials, fueled in part by the showdown between Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird and Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) victress Rachel Alexandra.

Bird's Half-Brother Goes to Dogwood

A Yonaguska half-brother to Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner and BlackBerry Preakness Stakes (gr. I) runner-up Mine That Bird brought $485,000 during the opening session of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale of 2-year-olds in training May 18. Dogwood Stable purchased the dark bay or brown colt from Cary Frommer, agent for Paul Saylor.

Heading Out: Mine That Bird On the Road Again

Early on the morning of May 18, trainer Bennie "Chip" Woolley had just loaded Mine That Bird into a horse trailer and was preparing for the 9-10 hour drive from Baltimore, Md., to Louisville, where the little gelding had won the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) before going on to finish second in the May 16 BlackBerry Preakness Stakes (gr. I).

F-T Midlantic Sale's Results Could Surprise

Even in the midst of an economic crisis, there is hope for a solid performance from the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale of 2-year-olds in training, which is scheduled for May 18 and 19 in Timonium, Md. The bulk of the auction's catalog consists of reasonably-priced, blue-collar stock, and some of the other regional sales, which offered juveniles of the same type, generated results that were better than expected earlier this year.

Showdown in Belmont a Possibility

There will be no Triple Crown winner in 2009, but there is a possibility of a showdown in the June 6 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) between the winners of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Blackberry Preakness Stakes (gr. I).

Rachel Alexandra Defeats Boys in Preakness

Calvin Borel made the right choice and history was made May 16 at Pimlico, when for the first time the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner not only ran in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) but won the race in convincing fashion. Rachel Alexandra finished first and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands winner Mine That Bird was second.

Setting the Scene on Preakness Day

As of about 6:45 a.m. EDT, every horse was on the grounds at Pimlico Race Course for the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.

Rachel Alexandra Heavy Early Betting Choice

How much did the addition of the filly Rachel Alexandra mean to the dynamics of the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I)? According to the patrons at Pimlico Race Course the day before the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, it meant everything.

Haskin's Preakness Report: Taking a Shot

Can Rachel Alexandra come back in two weeks and beat the boys after earning outrageous speed figures that suggest a bounce is imminent? Was Mine That Bird's shocking Kentucky Derby score a fluke or the birth of a superstar?

Figueroa Enjoys His Time with Mine That Bird

As Mine That Bird, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), quietly goes about his business at Pimlico in preparation for the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), so does the man who has been at his side since the Birdstone gelding's unlikely Triple Crown quest began. Charlie Figueroa is Mine That Bird's excercise rider and groom.

Borel Confident in Decision to Ride Filly

With all the rain recently in Kentucky, and with a minor business matter requiring him to be out of town over the weekend, Calvin Borel had an important project to finish before leaving town. The morning of May 15 he was mowing his grass.

Haskin's Preakness Report: Rachel on Display

There was little new activity Thursday morning, although Pioneerof the Nile did have his first feel of the Pimlico track. Rachel Alexandra went unseen, walking the shed at around 4:30, but did show up for all to see in the afternoon, schooling in the paddock before the fourth race.

Intrigue Abounds in Preakness 134

A field of 13 is set to line the gates at Pimlico Race Course May 16 for the 1 3/16-mile classic. It is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing Preakness Stakes in recent memory.

Orientate Colt Shines in F-T Midlantic Work

An Orientate colt worked a quarter mile in :21 2/5, which was the fastest time for the distance, during the May 13 first session of the under tack show for the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale of 2-year-olds in training in Timonium, Md.

Woolley: Pimlico Surface 'Looks Super'

The chance of rain and potential for a wet racing surface don't bother trainer Bennie "Chip" Woolley Jr. But he said dry and fast conditions wouldn't hurt the chances of Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird.

'Rachel' Walks Pimlico, to School in Paddock

Rachel Alexandra, the impressive Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner and 8-5 morning-line favorite for the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), walked the shedrow at Pimlico Race Course the morning of May 14 and was expected to school in the paddock later in the day, according to assistant trainer Scott Blasi.

Preakness Contenders: Pedigree Profiles

Insight into the pedigrees of this year's Preakness contenders is only a click away. This easy-to-read report includes pedigree analyses from Alan Porter, Avalyn Hunter, and Tom Hall. Order your copy today and separate the contenders from the pretenders.

'Rachel' Draws Post 13 as 8-5 Favorite

Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner Rachel Alexandra drew post 13 and was installed as the solid 8-5 morning-line favorite for the $1-million Preakness Stakes (gr. I) May 16 at Pimlico.

'Rachel,' Pioneerof the Nile Ship to Maryland

The exodus of Churchill Downs-based contenders for 134th running of the $1-million Preakness (gr. I) was completed May 13 when major contenders Rachel Alexandra and Pioneerof the Nile stepped onto separate vans around 12:30 p.m. EDT for the short trip to Louisville International Airport for their flight to Baltimore.

Mine That Bird Rolls Into Baltimore

Mine That Bird arrived at Pimlico Tuesday looking to annex the Preakness (gr. I), the second jewel of racing's Triple Crown, after shocking the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands at 50-1.

Mine That Bird Ships to Pimlico

A few minutes after 9 a.m. EDT on May 12, Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Suerte Equine's Mine That Bird rolled out of the Churchill Downs barn area headed for Baltimore and the second leg of racing's Triple Crown.

Hull to Skip Preakness; Smith Named Backup

Derby Trial Stakes (gr. III) winner Hull, who is undefeated in three career starts, will bypass the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and will run instead in the seven-furlong Woody Stephens Stakes (gr. II) on Belmont day. Also trainer Chip Woolley confirmed that Mike Smith will ride Mine That Bird if Rachel Alexandra runs in the Preakness.

Pioneerof the Nile Zips in Churchill Workout

Zayat Stables' homebred Pioneerof the Nile, second in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), breezed a half-mile in :47 3/5 at Churchill Downs May 11 as the Empire Maker colt prepped for the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I). The time was fourth-fastest of the morning among 48 horses working four furlongs.

Kentucky Derby Winner Mine That Bird Breezes

Trainer Chip Woolley, who had said Mine That Bird would not have a workout prior to the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), called an audible and breezed the son of Birdstone at Churchill Downs on the morning of May 11.

Mythical Power Rules Lone Star Derby

Peachtree Stable's homebred Mythical Power rebounded emphatically from a last-place effort in the Sunland Derby, taking over at the top of the lane under Victor Espinoza and drawing off for a resounding victory in the $400,000 Lone Star Derby (gr. III) May 9.

Travel Plans Set For Rachel Alexandra

The prospective field for the May 16 Preakness (gr. I) received a boost in star power when assistant trainer Scott Blasi informed Maryland Jockey Club director of horsemen's relations Phoebe Hayes that Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner Rachel Alexandra is scheduled to fly to Baltimore May 13 for the May 16 $1 million classic. A decision on whether she actually gets on the plane will not be made until the filly works.

Borel Commits to 'Rachel'; Filly to Preakness

Stonestreet Stables and partner Harold T. McCormick announced May 8 that Calvin Borel has agreed to ride Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra for the current racing season.

Preakness Notes - May 8

A decision as to whether Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner Rachel Alexandra will be supplemented into the field for the $1 million Preakness (gr. I) could be made May 10 or 11 after the filly works for her new trainer, Steve Asmussen.

Talkin' Horses Podcast with Calvin Borel

Join Calvin Borel as he talks about his Derby winning ride aboard Mine That Bird, Rachel Alexandra's Kentucky Oaks, and more. Transcript also available.

Saylor Ponders Future for Bird's Half-Brother

Paul Saylor said "I nearly fell out of my chair" while watching the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (gr. I) on television. Like a lot of people, he was surprised by Mine That Bird's huge upset. But what really knocked Saylor for a loop was the realization that a juvenile Yonaguska colt he owned suddenly had become a half-brother to a classic winner.

Tuesday Work to Determine Friesan Fire Status

Friesan Fire, who grabbed his quarter and suffered a several cuts while finishing 18th in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), will ship down to Pimlico next Monday from Delaware Park and will work on Tuesday under jockey Gabriel Saez to determine whether the colt will run in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I).

Haskin's Derby Wrapup: Bird to Take Wing

Calvin Borel would have made a great captain of the starship Enterprise, because time and again he boldly goes where no man has gone before. What he is able to do at Churchill Downs is mind-boggling.

At Least Nine to Run in Preakness

The prospective field for the Preakness (gr. I) grew by three confirmed starters when the connections of Musket Man, General Quarters and Terrain committed to the middle jewel of racing's Triple Crown on May 6. The $1 million race now has nine definite starters, with Big Drama the first to arrive at historic Pimlico Race Course. The 1 3/16-mile event is on May 16.

Mine That Bird a Magazine Cover Boy

Mine That Bird's upset in the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands attracted the interest of editors at Sports Illustrated, who devoted the entire cover to it in the magazine's May 6 edition.

Derby Winner Primes for Preakness

Mine That Bird, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) for Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Suerte Equine, back-tracked to the paddock tunnel and then 'loped' once around a "fast" Churchill Downs main track Tuesday before the renovation break.

Haskin's Derby Recap: Rare Bird Sighting

Well, we saw one bird fly over the rainbow. The vast majority of experts and racing fans were astounded, aghast, and amazed at Mine That Bird's otherworldly performance in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), in which he took off on a demonic dash as if he were being chased by a swarm of angry hornets.

Fasig-Tipton to Offer Derby Winner's Sibling

A Yonaguska half-brother to Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird has been added to the catalog of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale of 2-year-olds in training. The auction will be held May 18 and 19 at Timonium in Maryland. It starts two days after the running of the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), in which Mine That Bird is scheduled to compete.

Mine That Bird Headed to the Preakness

Mine That Bird, the surprise winner of the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (gr. I), will run in the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), according to Pimlico spokesman Mike Gathagan.

General Quarters Also a Preakness Possible

Trainer Bennie "Chip" Woolley Jr. has never been to Baltimore, but that will all change in a few days, as prepares Mine That Bird for a run in the May 16 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico.

F-T Fall Yearling Sale: New Derby Mother Lode

The Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall yearling sale isn't glamorous. It comes at the end of the yearling selling season, so it generally doesn't attract the best of the available stock. But, in recent years, it has become a prime source of Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brand (gr. I) winners.

Report: Mine That Bird Owner Tied to Scandal

An Alaska newspaper article claims a co-owner of the upset winner in the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) has alleged ties to a public scandal involving state politicians and likely bought his share of Mine That Bird with $30 million he received from the separate sale of his family's oil field services company.