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Triple Crown News

Stumbo, Churchill see Derby eventually at risk

"The Wood Memorial at Aqueduct in New York - not the Kentucky Derby - could be the first leg of the Triple Crown if the state doesn't allow racetracks…

Jun 26 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Summer Bird surprises in Belmont

"It was the 65th anniversary of D-Day on Saturday. At Belmont Park, that stood for Desormeaux Day. A crowd estimated by New York Racing Association officials…

Jun 7 | NTRA | Comments (0)

For Borel, no win and no regrets

"In a town known for its sports guarantees, Calvin Borel proved to be more Patrick Ewing than Joe Namath or Mark Messier. Borel spent all week guaranteeing…

Jun 7 | NTRA | Comments (0)

Desormeaux gets redemption at Belmont

"Kent Desormeaux has heard enough about his deflating performance aboard Big Brown in last year’s Belmont Stakes, when the so-called superhorse was considered…

Jun 7 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

A good effort for Belmont runner-up

"Expectations have always been high for Dunkirk. A $3.7 million yearling purchase in 2007, the gray colt was cautiously brought along by trainer Todd Pletcher.…

Jun 7 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

Calvin Borel falls short in own triple crown at Belmont

"Calvin Borel wasn't the first to see the tantalizing mirage of nothing but open ground between his horse and the finish line of the Belmont Stakes. Attempting…

Jun 7 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Path taken is far from Mine That Bird’s first choice at Belmont Stakes

"The race was too soon and too long and Mine That Bird made the mistake of running another horse's race. The Kentucky Derby winner, who runs his best when…

Jun 7 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

The Talk of the Crown

"Calvin Borel's agent has earned his keep the past five weeks fielding all the queries and media requests for his star jockey. While many have looked to…

Jun 6 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Down the stretch at Belmont Stakes, Bird will be word

"Rain? Nobody wants rain. We don't need no stinkin' rain. The mile and a half of the Belmont Stakes offers enough problems without the horses making the…

Jun 6 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

Mine That Bird is a winner, though he might not look it

"If you were to line them all up and then ask a policeman from Switzerland, or an alien reptile from the star system Alpha Draconis or a host of a radio…

Jun 6 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | Comments (0)

Chocolate Candy will be dandy in Belmont

"Mine That Bird has deservedly completed the journey from 50-1 shot in the Kentucky Derby to 2-1 favorite in the Belmont Stakes, but before we just hand…

Jun 6 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

Nick Zito likes his low-profile horses’ chances

"Unless you were one of the few to place a bet on him, hardly anyone remembers that Da'Tara won the Belmont Stakes last year. All the focus was on Big…

Jun 6 | Los Angeles Times | Comments (0)

History riding with Borel as he tries for jockey’s Triple Crown

"Jockey Calvin Borel is so sure Mine That Bird is the word for Saturday's $1 million Belmont Stakes that he has virtually guaranteed success in the final…

Jun 5 | USA Today | Comments (0)

Jockey Calvin Borel makes the most of his chances

"Jerry Hissam, Calvin Borel's close friend and longtime agent, was a little exasperated after the Preakness. Reporters were peppering him with questions…

Jun 5 | Los Angeles Times | Comments (0)

Belmont jockey Garcia ‘doing everything right’

"He is one of the hottest jockeys in the nation. He has won four graded stakes races in the past four weeks and his mount in Saturday's Belmont Stakes…

Jun 5 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

A patient plan for Charitable Man

"Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin had three colts he could have run in the Kentucky Derby, including Charitable Man. After skipping the Churchill Downs classic…

Jun 5 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Lukas takes a shot in the Belmont

"D. Wayne Lukas has a history of winning the Belmont Stakes with long shots. The U.S. Hall of Fame trainer returns on Saturday after a three-year gap with…

Jun 5 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

ABC hopes to ride Borel and Belmont Stakes to good ratings

"TV ratings for the Belmont Stakes are an anomaly. While ratings for many sports events are pretty consistent year-to-year, ratings for the third race…

Jun 5 | USA Today | Comments (0)

Velazquez Sees Belmont as Destiny

"A reoccurring theme in this year’s Triple Crown has been the game of musical chairs among jockeys. It couldn’t have worked out more beautifully for…

Jun 5 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

Two jockeys saddle Calvin Borel with different expectations

"This is about great rides. One great ride. Richard Migliore and his horse, can't forget the horse, ran a close second at odds of 7-1 in Wednesday's first…

Jun 5 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

Belmont card to include dime superfecta wager

"The New York Racing Association will offer ten-cent superfecta wagering on all the graded stakes action on Friday and Saturday at Belmont Park. Friday’s…

Jun 5 | Thoroughbred Times | Comments (0)

Crown’s third-act curtain rising

"For a guy who was suddenly, unexpectedly thrust into the public eye five weeks ago when Mine That Bird scored an upset in the Kentucky Derby, trainer…

Jun 5 | NTRA | Comments (0)

Mine That Bird 2-1 favorite for Belmont Stakes

"What a perfect contrast in this soap opera of a Triple Crown season: The trainer hobbles up to the podium to talk about the horse who streaked to victory…

Jun 4 | ABC News | Comments (0)

The components of success: Mine That Bird’s rise to stardom

"Mine That Bird, one of the most successful underdogs in Thoroughbred racing history, makes his third Triple Crown start in Saturday's Belmont Stakes.…

Jun 4 | USA Today | Comments (0)

Mine That Bird flies into Belmont

"Mine That Bird received a travel upgrade and arrived at Belmont Park on Wednesday afternoon for his chance at a second classic victory in the Belmont…

Jun 4 | Thoroughbred Times | Comments (0)

Stablemates are long shots, but Zito has history of Belmont success

"Between them, Brave Victory and Miner's Escape have four wins in 16 combined starts — not exactly the most stellar credentials in the 10-horse field…

Jun 4 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Mine That Birds Papers Stolen from Truck

"Trainer Chip Woolley Jr., who trains Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird, woke up the morning of June 2 to find out…

Jun 3 | BloodHorse.com | Comments (0)

Well-rested Charitable Man looks strong for Belmont

"Although trainer Kiaran McLaughlin has a prime contender for Saturday's Belmont Stakes in Charitable Man, he wishes he had taken a different path with…

Jun 3 | USA Today | Comments (0)

Jockey Calvin Borel stands by win guarantee at Belmont

"Calvin Borel has no doubt he will make history Saturday at Belmont Park, but he insists he's just here to win one race. Borel will attempt to become the…

Jun 3 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

Hollendorfer looking to add Triple Crown win with Chocolate Candy

"After nearly 5,400 wins (and counting), 377 stakes victories (and counting) and more training titles than most barns have horses, Jerry Hollendorfer should…

Jun 3 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Dunkirk the Belmont’s forgotten horse

"Only nine weeks ago, the burning question in Thoroughbred racing was whether Dunkirk would make it into the Kentucky Derby field. Following a second-place…

Jun 3 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

Charitable Man could make a run at Belmont Stakes

"The Belmont is almost certainly the only time young horses are asked to spend a mile and a half kicking dirt in their rivals' faces, before reaching for…

Jun 3 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

‘We’re gonna win’: Mine That Bird set for Belmont

"Calvin Borel is back on Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and he's thinking about another Triple Crown victory. "We're gonna win, no questions asked,''…

Jun 2 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

A Triple Crown for Calvin Borel?

"Never in the history of horse racing has a jockey won the Triple Crown on two different horses. Calvin Borel could claim that distinction if Mine That…

Jun 2 | Miami Herald | Comments (0)

Chocolate Candy breezes for Belmont

"Chocolate Candy completed preparations for Saturday's $1 million Belmont Stakes with an easy half-mile breeze in 50.25 seconds Monday morning over Belmont…

Jun 2 | NTRA | Comments (0)

Charitable Man, Dunkirk work at Belmont

"Charitable Man and Dunkirk, the likely second and third betting choices, respectively, behind Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird for next Saturday's…

Jun 1 | NTRA | Comments (0)

Kiaran hopes to hold off Derby winner

"Rachel Alexandra's absence in the Belmont Stakes may prove a bigger problem for Mine That Bird than her presence would have. Without the speedy 3-year-old…

Jun 1 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

Trainer: No regrets for missing Ky. Derby

"Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin knows in his heart that he and owner William Warren made the right call. For all the confidence McLaughlin has in Charitable…

Jun 1 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Woolley, Borel together again in Belmont

"With Rachel Alexandra officially out of the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 6, jockey Calvin Borel can shift his focus to Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mine…

May 31 | NTRA | Comments (0)

Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra will not run in the Belmont Stakes

"Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra will not test the boys in the Belmont Stakes a week from Saturday, it was announced Friday by the filly's connections.…

May 30 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

Borel to try for first-of-a-kind Triple Crown

"And on Belmont Stakes day, the filly will rest. The latest episode of “How The Triple Crown Turns” resolved some major issues with the announcement…

May 30 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

If no Rachel Alexandra, Mine That Bird is Calvin Borel’s at Belmont Stakes

"The waiting game continues. There won't be a decision on who rides Mine That Bird until a decision is made on whether the filly Rachel Alexandra races…

May 29 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

Friesan Fire off Belmont trail

"Louisiana Derby winner Friesan Fire, who finished 18th as the betting favorite in the Kentucky Derby and then followed with a 10th-place effort in the…

May 29 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

History favors Mr. Hot Stuff in Belmont Stakes

"Twice in the last three years, the Belmont Stakes was won by a horse who was still eligible to a first-level allowance race. Neither Jazil in 2006, nor…

May 27 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

Desormeaux to ride Summer Bird in Belmont

"On Tuesday, trainer Tim Ice said Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) sixth-place finisher Summer Bird would have his final serious move for the…

May 27 | Thoroughbred Times | Comments (0)

Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra raring to go, no call yet on Belmont

"Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra worked Monday but no decision has been made on whether she'll start next in the June 6 Belmont Stakes. Majority owner…

May 26 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird’s trainer had long road to top

"It is dusk in this tiny wisp of a town in the northwest corner of New Mexico, but storm clouds are gathering in the distance, threatening to dump some…

May 25 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

Woolley looking forward to Belmont Stakes

"After winning the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) with 50-1 longshot Mine That Bird, trainer Bennie “Chip” Woolley Jr. heard plenty of…

May 25 | NTRA | Comments (0)

Rachel Alexandra’s former trainer says Belmont is ‘perfect race’ for filly

"The trainer left at the altar before Rachel Alexandra's Preakness victory still loves the 3-year-old filly. Hal Wiggins, the 66-year-old who trained the…

May 24 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

Belmont hopefuls to breeze this weekend

"Belmont Stakes (G1) hopefuls Summer Bird, who finished sixth in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), and Peter Pan Stakes (G2) winner Charitable…

May 24 | NTRA | Comments (0)

Belmont Stakes hopefuls to breeze this weekend

"Belmont Stakes (G1) hopefuls Summer Bird, who finished sixth in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), and Peter Pan Stakes (G2) winner Charitable…

May 23 | Thoroughbred Times | Comments (0)

Velazquez to ride Dunkirk at Belmont Stakes

"While the jockey status of Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness runner-up Mine that Bird remained in limbo, some other key jockey assignments for the Belmont…

May 23 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

Belmont field beginning to take shape

"Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird needs a jockey for the Belmont Stakes. Rachel Alexandra needs to show she's fit after winning the Preakness. Derby-…

May 22 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Once gangly, It’s a Bird has become graceful with age

"Having resisted the temptation to say he’s flying under the radar, I’ll instead suggest that It’s A Bird could be the best racehorse nobody has…

May 22 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | Comments (0)

No decision on Rachel Alexandra for Belmont as Calvin Borel awaits

"Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra returned to the track for the first time on Wednesday, galloping a mile at Churchill Downs. No decision has been made…

May 21 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

‘Bird’ yes, ‘Rachel’ maybe, ‘Musket’ no

"The top three finishers from the Preakness Stakes are almost certain not to face each other in the upcoming Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6. Kentucky…

May 21 | Miami Herald | Comments (0)

Woolley to choose jockey by Monday

"The jockey drama involving Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird will come to a merciful end no later than Monday, said trainer Chip Woolley, adding that…

May 21 | NTRA | Comments (0)

Mine That Bird is already back at work

"Mine That Bird is the little horse that could. He just keeps chugging along, surprising everyone and making new fans every day with his remarkable resiliency.…

May 21 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

Charitable Man moving on to Belmont

"Peter Pan Stakes (G2) winner Charitable Man will proceed to the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 6, trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said on Wednesday. Owned by William…

May 21 | NTRA | Comments (0)

Mine That Bird jogs at Churchill

"Mine That Bird, who won the Kentucky Derby and then was second in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, returned to Churchill Downs on Monday night and was…

May 20 | NTRA | Comments (0)

Preakness ratings up 24% this year

"With plenty of interest in Rachel Alexandra’s start against, the BlackBerry Preakness Stakes (G1) delivered a 24% spike in ratings compared with last…

May 20 | Thoroughbred Times | Comments (0)

Two work with the Belmont as goal

"It remains to be seen whether the presence or absence of Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra has an impact on the field for the 141st Belmont Stakes on…

May 20 | NTRA | Comments (0)

Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra’s run in Belmont a work in progress

"After Rachel Alexandra became the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness, the racing world wants to know if she will try the boys again in the June…

May 19 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

Mine That Bird could still be the word at Belmont

"One day this week, or next, or whenever the principal owner of Rachel Alexandra decides there's nothing else worth filling the back page, Jess Jackson…

May 19 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

Belmont next for Rachel Alexandra?

"His point made with Rachel Alexandra's exquisite run to history in the 134th Preakness, trainer Steve Asmussen was in no rush on Sunday morning to commit…

May 18 | Baltimore Sun | Comments (0)

Can filly be a game-changer for horse racing?

"Standing just inside the indoor paddock at Pimlico to get out of the spitting rain falling outside, Bob Baffert was watching the Preakness Stakes post…

May 18 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Thanks to Borel, two stars have been born

"When Calvin Borel rode Mine That Bird to a Kentucky Derby victory, even casual fans could appreciate that he had delivered a brilliant, daredevil ride,…

May 18 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

Filly lifts Preakness ratings to highest since ‘04

"Rachel Alexandra's victory in the Preakness Stakes has earned the race its highest overnight television ratings since 2004 and its second highest rating…

May 18 | Miami Herald | Comments (0)

Smith to ride Mine That Bird in Belmont

"Jockey Mike Smith's second-place Preakness finish aboard Mine That Bird earned him another trip on the bay gelding from New Mexico. Trainer Chip Woolley…

May 18 | Baltimore Sun | Comments (0)

Lady dazzles as horse racing shines again

"Horse racing finally caught a break on Saturday, and for once it wasn't an ankle. A sport that has been victimized by bad fortune and nearly ruined itself…

May 18 | Philadelphia Inquirer | Comments (0)

Rematch in Belmont not a certainty

"Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird, the first two finishers in a thrilling, historic Preakness Stakes on Saturday here at Pimlico, are headed back to…

May 18 | NTRA | Comments (0)

Is Preakness at Pimlico endangered?

"You couldn't ask for a more enchanting Preakness. It was a dazzling day that delivered on every prerace story line. Rachel Alexandra flashed away from…

May 18 | Louisville Courier-Journal | Comments (0)

Mine That Bird ‘proved that he was no fluke’

"A few minutes after jockey Mike Smith dismounted Mine That Bird, trainer Chip Woolley balanced himself on his crutches and gave the Hall of Fame rider…

May 17 | MSNBC | Comments (1)

Filly gives racing what it desperately needed

"Horse racing is called the sport of kings, but a princess put on a show in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes, providing just the right salve for a game that…

May 17 | MSNBC | Comments (1)

Derby dodge doesn’t suit queen ‘Rachel’

"Rachel Alexandra thundered over the finish line at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, and I'm pretty sure this thought was rattling around the skulls of…

May 17 | Baltimore Sun | Comments (0)

‘Rachel’ jockey Borel pushes all the right buttons

"The outcome of the Preakness was determined more than a week ago, when jockey Calvin Borel said he would ride Rachel Alexandra in the race. Early Saturday…

May 17 | Baltimore Sun | Comments (0)

There was plenty of vindication to go around

"This wasn't Preakness Day. This was Vindication Day. Rachel Alexandra's historic win in the 134th Preakness Stakes before 77,850 at Pimlico on Saturday,…

May 17 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Rachel Alexandra jockey Calvin Borel relishes role as favorite in Preakness

"The focus on Saturday's Preakness Stakes won't be on a he, it will be on a she. Most of the racing world expects the filly, Rachel Alexandra, to beat…

May 16 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

It’s Mine That Bird’s moment of truth

"On the eve of the Preakness, if there is any part of you that believes a Triple Crown is still a possibility, then you should probably view Mine That…

May 16 | Baltimore Sun | Comments (0)

Then and now, Preakness truly a gem

"When New Mexico trainer Chip Woolley was driving across the continent with his painful broken leg in a splint to enter Mine That Bird in the Kentucky…

May 16 | Baltimore Sun | Comments (0)

Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird all but forgotten when it comes to Preakness

"A funny thing is happening on the way to Rachel Alexandra's 10- or 20-length romp in Saturday's Preakness. And not funny ha-ha for those surer than sure…

May 16 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

Rachel Alexandra isn’t expected to play nice

"When Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Chip Woolley is asked about the challenge from filly Rachel Alexandra,who has been installed as the 8-5 pre-race favorite…

May 16 | Baltimore Sun | Comments (0)

Borel and his filly make great pair

"Calvin Borel was mowing his yard. Back in Louisville. It was 9:45 Friday morning, and we media members were in Pimlico vice president Mike Gathagan's…

May 16 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Man vs. horse is no contest

"Friday marked the 10th anniversary of an incident that Lee Chang Ferrell would just as soon forget. On Preakness Day 1999, during the seventh race, a…

May 16 | Baltimore Sun | Comments (0)

Jockey confident filly will prove his Preakness choice correct

"Shortly after Calvin Borel won the Kentucky Derby, somebody asked the jockey which horse he would ride, if forced to choose, Mine That Bird or Kentucky…

May 16 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | Comments (0)

This man thinks he can save horse racing

"As horse racing prepares for Saturday’s 134th running of the Preakness Stakes, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over historic Pimlico racetrack and some…

May 16 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

Friesan Fire unnoticed in run-up to Preakness

"The first waves of angst hit Vinery manager Tom Ludt before Friesan Fire even reached the wire in the 135th Kentucky Derby. And from there, the anguish…

May 15 | Lexington Herald-Leader | Comments (0)

Boy oh boy, Preakness field fears filly Rachel Alexandra

"Feed these Preakness horses all the carrots and caviar they want, assure them their fetlocks never looked more fetching, tell them their last race was…

May 15 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)

Not everyone is thrilled about Rachel Alexandra

"While many fans and horsemen are excited about the prospect of watching the superstar filly Rachel Alexandra run against the boys in Saturday's Preakness…

May 15 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

How will Rachel Alexandra handle the Drama at Preakness?

"If this game were completely predictable, I would just pick Rachel Alexandra in tomorrow's Preakness and forget about it. If, however, it were completely…

May 15 | Philadelphia Daily News | Comments (0)

Weak Field Gives Filly a Leg Up

"Millions of casual fans will be watching the Preakness Stakes on television to see if Rachel Alexandra can become the first member of her sex to win the…

May 15 | Washington Post | Comments (0)

Hey, what about me? Mine That Bird seeks respect

"The fascination over Rachel Alexandra's participation in the Preakness has taken much of the attention away from Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird,…

May 15 | Miami Herald | Comments (0)

Mine That Bird, Rachel Alexandra check out Pimlico track

"For the first time this week, horses at Pimlico Race Course had to slosh through early-morning rain during workouts, but that posed no problem for Mine…

May 15 | Baltimore Sun | Comments (0)

Derby-winning trainer as tough as he looks

"The image is straight out of a Clint Eastwood western. Black cowboy hat. Dark sunglasses. Fu Manchu mustache. Requisite scowl. For Bennie "Chip" Woolley…

May 15 | MSNBC | Comments (0)

Rachel draws outside post for Preakness

"Thirteen horses were entered in the 134th Preakness Stakes just after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, and the last to load will be the favorite, the filly Rachel…

May 14 | NTRA | Comments (0)

Present, future look bright to Team ‘Rachel’

"Jess Jackson, owner of Rachel Alexandra, the newly installed 8-5 favorite in Saturday's Preakness Stakes, held a conference call Wednesday evening to…

May 14 | Baltimore Sun | Comments (0)

Top filly versus Derby winner in Preakness Stakes

"Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and Kentucky Oaks champ Rachel Alexandra top a field of 13 for Saturday's $1.1 million Preakness Stakes at Pimlico…

May 14 | Miami Herald | Comments (0)

Rachel Alexandra is extraordinary, but running against colts isn’t

"The ballyhoo, originating in Baltimore and rumbling throughout the country, will be all about gender, as though it’s extraordinary that a filly would…

May 14 | Fort Worth Star-Telegram | Comments (0)

Trainer Chip Woolley insists Mine That Bird can fly

"So many questions about the Preakness, so many losing tickets to buy before we get the answers. Just to have a little fun, let's ask a cruel one: Will…

May 14 | NY Daily News | Comments (0)