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.
Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) runner-up Pioneerof the Nile drew post 9 and is the 5-1 second choice on the morning line, while upset Derby winner Mine That Bird (6-1) will break from post 2.
A field of 13 was drawn for the Preakness, which is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing classics in recent memory thanks to Rachel Alexandra, who is the first Kentucky Oaks winner to contest the Preakness. The talented daughter of Medaglia d'Oro is trying to become the first filly to win the Preakness since Nellie Morse in 1924.
Calvin Borel, who rode Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird to Oaks and Derby wins, respectively, has chosen to ride the filly in the Preakness. It is believed to be the first time a jockey has opted off the Derby winner to ride a different horse in the Preakness.
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