Belmont rest for Alexandra
Preakness Stakes winner Rachel Alexandra will not run in the Belmont Stakes on June 6, co-owner Jess Jackson has confirmed.
Alexandra was the first filly to win the Preakness for 85 years on May 16 and was strongly tipped to follow that victory up with further success next week.
Running in Jackson’s Stonestreet Stables silks, made famous by Curlin, for the first time in the Preakness, she held off the challenge of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird to create history.
However the owners released a statement saying: “After careful consideration, we have decided not to run Rachel Alexandra in the Belmont Stakes next weekend.”
The news means jockey Calvin Borel can now renew his association with Mine That Bird and he has the chance to win all three Triple Crown races having been on board the gelding in the Derby.