Rachel Alexandra wins Preakness

ASSOCIATED PRESS

BALTIMORE — Rachel Alexandra not only ran with the boys, she beat every one of them.

Rachel Alexandra became the first filly to win the Preakness Stakes since 1924, holding off a late charge by Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird to capture the middle jewel of the Triple Crown on Saturday by a length.

Calvin Borel, who rode Mine That Bird in the Derby, switched to Rachel Alexandra and guided her to a sixth straight victory.

The only filly in the 13-horse race, Rachel Alexandra went off as the 9-5 favorite and became the first horse to win from the No. 13 post at Pimlico. She moved to the front and took a big lead before Mine That Bird tested her in the stretch.

Musket Man finished third, as he did in the Derby, followed by Flying Private and Big Drama.

Rachel Alexandra covered the 1 3-16th miles in 1:55.08.

She paid $5.60, $4.60 and $3.60. Mine That Bird paid $6.60 and $4.80, and Musket Man returned $5 on a show bet.

The last filly to win a Preakness was Nellie Morse.

The order of finish:

1. Rachel Alexandra

2. Mine That Bird

3. Musket Man

4. Flying Private

5. Big Drama

6. Papa Clem

7. Terrain

8. Luv Gov

9. General Quarters

10. Friesan Fire

11. Pioneerof the Nile

12. Tone It Down

13. Take the Points

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