News and Notes: 2009 Preakness at Pimlico Park Baltimore, MD

5/16/09

Rachel Alexandra wins the 134th Preakness. The first filly to win since 1924. Mine That Bird finished second followed by Musket Man and Flying Private. It was a thrilling victory and this time we can say that we picked her. Mine That Bird showed he's the king of the last to almost first moves at this point in time.

5/13/09:

The field of 13 is set. Rachel Alexandra draws outside post #13. See post positions.

5/12/09:

Friesan Fire worked this morning and was pronounced fit for the Preakness. 5 furlongs in :58 2/5 according to bloodhorse.com.

Papa Clem had a lesurely work this morning.

5/11/09:

Hull will skip the Preakness and will instead go to the Woody Stephens Stakes on Belmont Stakes Day. The reason: "When we came up with the idea of running in the Preakness, there was no Big Drama, no Rachel Alexandra."

Looks like the plot to keep Rachel Alexandra out of the Preakness is fizzling.

Mike Smith has been named back-up rider for Mine that Bird if Rachel Alexandra runs and Borel rides her as he has always said he would. Chantal Sutherland is getting dissed, it seems. The Jockeys show now filming its second season for Animal Planet must be loving it.

Friesan Fire works Tuesday morning after arriving at Pimlico on Monday.

5/7/09:
As reported on the Pimlico website, these are the current possible starters for this years Preakness to be run on May 16, 2009. The field is limited to 14 starters.

Confirmed Entries
Mine That Bird
Musket Man
Papa Clem
General Quarters
Flying Private
Big Drama
Hull not running as of 5/11
Take the Points
Terrain

Probable Entries
Pioneerof the Nile
Friesan Fire

Possible Entries
Conservative
Rachel Alexandra
Tone It Down