Ladies' Night at Pimlico - Rachel Alexandra Beats the Boys

Rachel Alexandra outran the field of 12 strapping 3-year-old colts, becoming the first filly to win the Preakness Stakes in 85 years.

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

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

Musket Man finished third.

Rachel Alexandra, with jockey Calvin Borel on board, won in 1:55.08. Borel had all but guaranteed a win today after winning the Kentucy Oaks with Rachel Alexandra and the Kentucky Derby with Mine That Bird just a few weeks earlier.

Rachel Alexandra was the first Oaks winner to run the Preakness. Of the 52 fillies who have run in the Preakness previously, only four have won, and not since Nellie Morse in 1924. Winning Colors, the 1988 Derby winner, was the last filly to be favored in the Preakness. She finished third. Rachel Alexandra was the first horse since Linkage in 1982 to be favored in the Preakness after not running in the Derby.

The only question remains is if Borel will be riding Rachel Alexandra or Mine That Bird on June 6th for the Belmont Stakes.