Borel off Bird for Rachel in Preakness

[Kasept]

From Churchill minutes ago. Details to follow...
--------------------------------------------
30 hours later.. But confirmed:

Edited press release

Stonestreet Stables and partner Harold T. McCormick announced May 8 that Calvin Borel has agreed to ride Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner Rachel Alexandra for the current racing season. Also, Stonestreet said it plans to run the filly in the May 16 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), contingent upon her continuing to train well up to the race.

In making the decision, Borel selected the filly over Mine That Bird, whom he rode to an upset victory in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and is being pointed toward the preakness.

“It came down to the facts that he knows and loves this horse, that he knows how to get the most from her and he knows how to win,’’ said Jess Jackson of Stonestreet Stables and proprietor of Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates. “They were an amazing team at the Kentucky Oaks—winning by over 20 lengths. We think this is a perfect match of rider and horse.’’

Jackson said Rachel Alexandra will continue her workout schedule under trainer Steve Asmussen. “If she continues to be in perfect condition, our intention will be to run her in the Preakness,” Jackson said, adding that the final decision would be made next week.

[South Beach Luv]

Originally Posted by Kasept

From Churchill minutes ago. Details to follow...

Somebody else asked in the other thread, is this the first time a jockey has done that?

[gales0678]

steve i heard last night the Albarado was going to ride her , why do you think the connections of RA changed their mind?

[VOL JACK]

Just glad they let Borel keep the mount.

Love those post-race interviews.

[SuffolkGirl]

I am happy for Borel getting the RA mount. Do we know that Assmussen is definitely training her? If he is it is a good move for Calvin - increases his book. Maybe he could ride more for Assmussen (assuming he would want to). I feel bad for the Mine that Bird connections losing Borel, especially when they specifically sought him out.

I am overall disgusted with the sale to Jackson - I understand why, hey if someone offered me a boat load of cash, I'd check out, too, but to Jackson? It really does put a pall over her....

[gales0678]

does the girl get to ride MTB again Steve ?

[cakes44]

Well if Albarado gets the mount on MTB, you can forget about any more rail-skimming rides.

[Antitrust32]

Originally Posted by gales0678

does the girl get to ride MTB again Steve ?

OMG that would be hilarious... but I'm sure he'll get a top jockey.

This is freaking awesome. I can even put up with ASSMAN as long as it means RA is taking on the boys now.. so cool.

Well we definately know who the favorite will be in the Preakness.

[Travis Stone]

Originally Posted by SuffolkGirl

I am overall disgusted with the sale to Jackson - I understand why, hey if someone offered me a boat load of cash, I'd check out, too, but to Jackson? It really does put a pall over her....

??????

[CSC]

In all honesty folks, Calvin Borel was and is a very ordinary rider right up until last weekend. Really this is not as big a deal as it will no doubt be reported.

[Suffolk Shippers]

Originally Posted by SuffolkGirl

I am happy for Borel getting the RA mount. Do we know that Assmussen is definitely training her? If he is it is a good move for Calvin - increases his book. Maybe he could ride more for Assmussen (assuming he would want to). I feel bad for the Mine that Bird connections losing Borel, especially when they specifically sought him out.

I am overall disgusted with the sale to Jackson - I understand why, hey if someone offered me a boat load of cash, I'd check out, too, but to Jackson? It really does put a pall over her....

Puts more of a pall on the back story of the horse, not really the horse itself, she doesn't know any better. But, I understand where you're coming from, it makes harder to root for the horse because the connections (for the most part) suck at life.

Things got mighty interesting in the racing world the last 48 hrs.

I'd like to see Jon Court ride Mine that Bird just to see his wife's huge ta ta's on Jockeys.

[31lengths]

Originally Posted by South Beach Luv

Somebody else asked in the other thread, is this the first time a jockey has done that?

This question may have already been answered in these 7 pages of posts but has any jock ever won the TC without the same horse?
Did that make sense?

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Kasept

From Churchill minutes ago. Details to follow...

You and West told the worlds this yesterday...

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by freddymo

You and West told the worlds this yesterday...

Well.. we were speculating based on ther situation at the moment and anticipating the decisions of the parties involved. This more definitive report came through witnesses to the conversation about the commitment and a 'non-confirmation' confirmation from Borel agent Jerry Hissam who said it needs to be officially announced by the trainer or owner.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Well.. we were speculating based on ther situation at the moment and anticipating the decisions of the parties involved. This more definitive report came through witnesses to the conversation about the commitment and a 'non-confirmation' confirmation from Borel agent Jerry Hissam who said it needs to be officially announced by the trainer or owner.

There was never a shot he wasn't going to ride her and you knew it and wisely advised the listeners. Borel knows which horse is better...One is a Ferrari the other is Camaro.. As for Borel's horse whisper ways with Rachel, you may want to take that with a small grain of salt, I am sure any top flight jock would be fine and I am sure he loves riding her who wouldn't..

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by freddymo

As for Borel's horse whisper ways with Rachel, you may want to take that with a small grain of salt, I am sure any top flight jock would be fine and I am sure he loves riding her who wouldn't..

You never know Freddy.. It can take a ride or two to work out communication between horse and rider. Pat Kelly has told me a lot about difficult to ride horses with Naughty New Yorker as the specific horse on the topic. He isn't a horse you can throw any rider on...

During the Street Sense campaign, not that it necessarily applies the same way here, but Carl Nafzger also was very specific that Borel was his rider of choice for the Juvy/Derby/Travers winner because he was a guy that would communicate to the trainer the nuances he was experiencing on board. Nafzger wanted that so he could make adjustments in the training of the horse.

Don't disagree that they may be Ferraris and Cameros, but few of them have automatic transmissions.

[gales0678]

steve - look at JD bailey he won of the biggest races of the year one time without ever being on the horse and even being able to talk to the trainer

Originally Posted by Kasept

Don't disagree that they may be Ferraris and Cameros, but few of them have automatic transmissions.

Good lord I hope they're not using what I think they're using for the stick.

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by Kasept

You never know Freddy.. It can take a ride or two to work out communication between horse and rider. Pat Kelly has told me a lot about difficult to ride horses with Naughty New Yorker as the specific horse on the topic. He isn't a horse you can throw any rider on...

During the Street Sense campaign, not that it necessarily applies the same way here, but Carl Nafzger also was very specific that Borel was his rider of choice for the Juvy/Derby/Travers winner because he was a guy that would communicate to the trainer the nuances he was experiencing on board. Nafzger wanted that so he could make adjustments in the training of the horse.

Don't disagree that they may be Ferraris and Cameros, but few of them have automatic transmissions.

I have heard that Zito doesn't allow jocks to work his horses in the morning. I am not sure if it is true but perhaps his horses come with special equipment? There is no denying a chemistry forms between the the jock and the horse..