Beyond the Crown: Borel Abandons Chip?
June 30, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Horses, Jockeys, Stakes Races
Calvin Borel abandoned Mine That Bird in favor of Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness. He was back aboard the Derby winner in the Belmont, but he may be jumping ship again.
He frequently rides for Ian Wilkes and may have a scheduling conflict if Warrior’s Reward fires a big shot in the Dwyer (G2) this weekend.
If everything goes according to plan, Warrior’s Reward is scheduled to run in the Jim Dandy (G2) on August 1st, the same day Mine That Bird competes in the Grade 2 West Virginia Derby. How many chances will Chip Woolley give his Derby winning pilot? It might be time to find another rider.
Papa Clem has left his SoCal base to prepare for the Haskell (G1) at Monmouth on August 2nd. He will use the July 11th Long Branch as his local prep. Seemingly a smart move by Gary Stute. Belmont hero Summer Bird is expected to arrive at the Jersey Shore later this week.
Trainer David Fawkes now has a pair of quality three-year-olds. Big Drama, 5th in the Preakness and recent winner of the Red Legend at Charles Town, is the big horse in the barn, but look out for Duke of Mischief. The latter has won two straight in easy fashion, including a sharp tally in the Iowa Oaks. The West Virginia Derby and Haskell are likely targets for the duo.
Image: Newscom
