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The most talked about horse this year wasn't any of the early favorites to win the Kentucky Derby or the longshot - Mine That Bird - that actually ended up winning, it was the filly named Rachel Alexandra, who easily won the Kentucky Oaks race.
And now there is talk that Rachel Alexandra could run the Preakness Stakes despite early suggestions she would not be.
The outlook for the 134th Preakness may have changed radically after prominent owner Jess Jackson announced the purchase of Rachel Alexandra, reports Andrew Beyer of the Washington Post.
The filly was not nominated for the Preakness, but she could be supplemented to the race for a fee of $100,000 -- a pittance to the billionaire Jackson. Not only does he have the money, he may have the will. He never shied from challenges with Curlin. Instead of retiring him at 3, he campaigned the colt as a 4-year-old, racing him in Dubai and trying him on both grass and synthetic surfaces. He has not yet given any indication of his plans for Rachel Alexandra -- the filly is being transferred today to the barn of trainer Steve Asmussen -- but if she runs at Pimlico on May 16 her presence will inject new excitement into the race. And she would probably be the favorite.
"Betting on the 2009 Preakness will also increase," says Don Shapiro. "Traditionally this race does not attract nearly as much money as the Kentucky Derby but Rachel Alexandra's appearance will make this a much more competitive event and, as such, means more money wagered."
The 2009 Kentucky Derby was the most trafficked event to be featured on the Gambling911.com website. Online gambling websites are hoping for increased wagering on The Preakness Stakes thanks to the interest generated from a longshot paying up to 100/1 odds on the Derby and the possibility of a heavily hyped Rachel Alexandra taking part in the race.
SBG Global was already offering betting on the 2009 Preakness Stakes.
Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
