This Saturday's Preakness Stakes in Baltimore is headlined by a battle of the sexes as Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird faces unexpected and unprecedented opposition from Kentucky Oaks filly winner Rachel Alexandra.
The Kentucky Derby 50-1 shot Mine That Bird lost both its potential Preakness favorite status and jockey Calvin Borel to Rachel Alexandra when the filly's new owners enter her into the Preakness field. Mine That Bird won't even be a second choice as Pioneerof the Nile is back for another go at a Triple Crown race.
Most of the other headlines from today's Preakness come over the uncertain future status of the race with Pimlico owner Magna Entertainment in bankruptcy. Maryland passed a law to declare eminent domain over the track but its unclear if that law has any true legal force.
Celebrations of the race itself today will also be subdued, due largely by a decision of the Maryland Jockey Club to bar the infield patrons from bringing their own beer to the track. Most younger infielders are skipping out this year altogether after finding the entrance fee too expensive for their recessionary budgets.
Preakness post time comes just after 6 p.m. EDT.
______________________Labels: baltimore city, horse racing, maryland, preakness, sports
