Rachel Alexandra owner Jess Jackson was unsure the Monday morning after Preakness of whether or not Rachel Alexandra would be entered into the Belmont Stakes. Rachel Alexandra was working out at Churchill Downs in Kentucky, where she led an unimpressive time around the track.
“What else does she have to prove?” Jackson said to ESPN.com. “[The Preakness] was a gamble. We don’t have to gamble anymore.”
Jackson said he would wait another week to make a firm decision.
Trainer Steve Asmussen said Rachel Alexandra was “comfortable, happy, and agreeable, and it looked like nothing more than an extended gallop,” however, he advised Jackson to postpone the decision because of the rain and track conditions.
Both Steve Asmussen and Jess Jackson are simply looking out for the filly’s best interests, if she doesn’t run in the Belmont, she’ll be aimed for the Mother Goose Stakes June 27th for 3 year old fillies.
Due to Rachel Alexandra’s unclear position on racing the Belmont, Calvin Borel has been left in a bit of a pickle. With Mine That Bird trainer demanding Borel make a commitment by Monday morning, due to Mike Smith’s unavailability. Borel actually led both Mine That Bird and Rachel Alexandra to victory, and is now somewhat torn between the two.
Wearing his Rachel Alexandra baseball cap, Borel and his agent, Jerry Hissam, met with Jackson early Monday. Hissam said they would have “no comment at this time” as they came out of Asmussen’s barn.
Later on he was scheduled to work Mine That Bird.
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