134th Preakness Stakes

SI Staff | May 19, 2009

134th Preakness Stakes

Starting Blocks

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And they're off ... for the running of the 134th Preakness Stakes.

Pack Mentality

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Despite her No. 13 post position, pre-race favorite Rachel Alexandra (jockey Calvin Borel wearing yellow) assumes a share of the early, early lead.

They Know Drama

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Rachel Alexandra (left) and Big Drama set a blistering pace in the first quarter-mile. Big Drama would eventually take 5th place in the Preakness.

Left Behind

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The Pimilico crowd gets a gander at the Preakness field at Turn 1.

Hugging The Rail

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Jockey Calvin Borel gets low as Rachel Alexandra explodes down the left side.

Dirty Work

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The horses enjoyed a slightly drier day for the Preakness than the rain-addled Kentucky Derby on May 1, although they were covered in dirt by race's end.

Fantastic Filly

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Rachel Alexandra is the first filly to win the Preakness since 1924, spanning 85 years.

Milestone Man

AP

Calvin Borel is the first jockey in history to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown on different horses (Kentucky Derby -- Mine That Bird; Preakness -- Rachel Alexandra).

Near-Photo Finish

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Just like the Derby, Mine That Bird rallied from a huge early deficit. But unlike the Derby, MTB had to settle for second place in the Preakness.

She's The One

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Upon switching from Mine That Bird before the Preakness, jockey Calvin Borel referred to Rachel Alexandra as a "once-in-a-lifetime" racing horse.

The Afterglow

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Jockey Calvin Borel couldn't wait to give Rachel Alexandra a much-deserved pat after her Preakness victory.

Win, Place & Show

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The Big Three from the Preakness: First place, Rachel Alexandra (center); second place, Mine That Bird (left) and third place, Musket Man (right).

Fulfilling Her Destiny

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Rachel Alexandra was an overwhelming Preakness favorite, based on her dominating victory at the Kentucky Oaks.

One More To Go

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On June 6 at the Belmont Stakes, jockey Calvin Borel could become the first jockey in racing history to win all three Triple Crown races -- but on different horses.

In The Winners Circle

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Thanks to Rachel Alexandra's Preakness victory, this season will mark just the sixth time in 13 years an official Triple Crown will not be on the line at the Belmont Stakes.