Who cares if a jockey wins the tc on different horses.

• Scot's reply:  Uh... well ... me, for one.

yeah, a CB racing crown series named after him! But, it would have to be over the jumps;-)

I HOPE MTB GETS EDGAR PRADO.

HE STOPPED TWO TRIPLE CROWN BIDS ON HORSES THAT WERE NOT SECOND CHOICE EITHER.

WINNING AT BELMONT AND WINNING UNDER SEVERE PRESSURE ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. EDGAR HAS PROVEN HE CAN HANDLE TC PRESSURE IN THE BELMONT.

PLEASE CHIP, ASK EDGAR PRADO.

SORRY DUNKIRK

Love it! This guy is one of the best things to happen to racing. With all the excitemen the horses are creating, you can't leave this guy out of the mix. He's a real joy to watch.

I just want to say that Calvin's love for Rachel is amazing and something this racing industry needs to see.  Rachel is definitely one in a million and should be treated like a queen.  She is breathtaking and Calvin's gentle horsemanship on her makes them one as a team!  He also did a whale of a job on MTB and it would be great to see Rachel get some much well deserved rest and Calvin be back aboard MTB for the Belmont and finish what he started!  Congrats to Calvin, Rachel and Mine That Bird!!! :)

I think Calvin Boral is a class act... He is the cherry on this story.. It is wonderful to see someone as warm and open hearted as he get the breaks he deserves finally! He truely is one of the greats in my opinion.. and like Mike Smith he isn't all about the business... He is about the horses.. and THAT is what counts in my book. :)

I agree with Amy Rooney--Edgar Prado should ride MTB in the Belmont. I must say, though, that I've been hoping that Rachel Alexandra doesn't run--I thought MTB would have caught her in a longer race.

I would like to see Chantal Sutherland on MTB. She rode him well as a two year old, when he got the Canadian two year old championship. Together they won the Silver Deputy, Swynford and Grey stakes at Woodbine. She is also a good come from behind rider. And it would give the media another stupid angle to cover the story from.."Will the "filly" riding beat the filly running?"

I think MTB will take the Belmont, he has the pedigree and the will to do it. I don't think RA can get the distance. A mile and a half is a hell of a long way, especially for a filly with that much sprinter blood rather than distance. He has more distance in his pedigree than she does, and that is what will make the difference in the Belmont. "Blood will tell", as they say. And they say it for a reason.

Should he win the (jockey)Triple Crown on RA.. MTB.. or someone else... GOOD for him!! :) It's more then most jockeys can account for!!

I do agree with you as far as the jockeys are concerned, Stephi S. .... Chantell should be given the ride back if anyone else. The reasons you pointed out are dead on.. she IS a good rider.. They WERE a good match.. and it's just one more angle to throw in this soup pot of media highlights that is this Triple Crown season! lol. What more could happen this year?? :)

MTB should be ridden by Richard Migloire is my final choice.

Why not?  He's earned it and is a great personality for the sport!

However, I don't understand Whoolly's big rush to sign a jockey early rather than later, other than he's concerned that the best alternates will be taken by the time Jackson/Asmussen decide what to do with Rachel?

You know - I'd have to think that the Rachel team will know sooner rather than later whether or not they plan to run.  The Belmont requires a steady training schedule - even for a potential super filly like her.  

Maybe(?) they would do the right thing and decide early on one way or another so that Calvin and the MTB connections aren't left dangling on tenderhooks?

They probably won't do that - but wouldn't that be nice?  :)

Whoolly's statement sounds to me more like "There is no reason why I should sit and wait what Mr. Jackson -or anybody, for that matter- decides." And that's Ok with me; its one of those gestures of defiance to the power of money I like so much. Otherwise, Borel left Bird aside, so...In any case, a deadline like...this Wednesday, could be a way out.

Borel back and winning the Belmont would still be a fantastic end.

If not, then its Edgar Prado for me. He's twice a Belmont winner, both in a come-from-behind ride (like the Bird's style, right?), and one of those was with the Bird's father, no less. It's a no-brainer for me. And we could still have a great story: 3-time Belmont winner, with father and son, etc, etc.

I think Chip should go back to someone who is familiar with the horse - and who will stick with him. Poop on Borel and Smith. Let someone else win the Belmont AND Breeders cup classic. You don't opt off a Kentucky Derby winner or Preakness second place runner. Most Triple winners did not run against 12 other horses in the Preakness...I think we had our Triple Winner and lost him due to traffic and not Rachel - too many other dog food entries that had no business there. We've seen it before, the best horses don't always win. Still rooting for the little brown gelding!!!

BORREL will be on RACHEL ALEXANDER.Her OWNERS DONT DUCK ANYONE.IF SHE DONT RUN then something VERY WRONG WITH HORSE.THEY RUN OR RETIRE HER

i think chip woolley should be looking for a rider who will stay with mine that bird for the rest of the year (and beyond).  that great horse deserves more respect than some people have given him, and i'm sure he'd like a little consistency when he races.  hope he takes the belmont!!

in my opinion, if CB guided Mine That Bird in the Preakness, the way CB says Rachel Alexandra struggling in the final furlong (Is She???), MTB has a chance to catch up RA.

WHat do you think?

Reasons why Calvin Borel should never be allowed to ride Mine That Bird again!

1. He has made it quite clear that he will ride Rachel Alexandra over any other horse. This I will ride him unless Rachel is in the race is bunk.

2. He has made statements that Mine That Bird has a little talent, Rachel will beat him again in the Belmont, which showed me that he had little to no respect for the horse.(Even if he thought, he should not have said it on National Tv or where reporters could write it.)

3. Chip Wooley and the owners of Mine That Bird DO NOT HAVE TO BEG anyone to ride that horse, and especially not Calvin. His agent saying they have to wait for what they are going to do with Rachel is ridiculous. I am still mad that they waited on his decision for the Preakness not allowing Mike to exercise him before the race.  

4. Mine That Bird deserves a jockey that will appreciate him as much as Calvin does Rachel.

5. Chantal Sutherland is the one I want to see riding him.  She is just as good as any of the male jockeys riding in this country today, she knows Mine That Birds running style, and she stayed with him until he was sold.

There even if you will not post this that is how I feel.    

No jockey loves his horses more than Mike Smith. I'm sure that Mike Smith would love to ride MTB in the Belmont. He raved about him after the Preakness. However, if he has committed to ride Madeo that day, he will have to ride Madeo. The Mosses, who own Madeo, also own Zenyatta. They and John Shirreff have been very loyal to Mike Smith. It has to be a two-way street.    

I agree with several others - give the ride to Edgar Prado - he was the first name that came to mind when I heard that Mike Smith was not going to ride MTB at Belmont.

I do think that MTB would have run RA down in the stretch if any one of a few variables had changed - traffic when he was making his move, a little softer track (even CB said she did not like the track), Mike Smith started the move a second or 2 earlier, and what about the 5 lbs - over 1 3/16 miles, could easily account for 1 length - not making excuses, but I would like to see MTB and RA race again at a classic distance.

Edgar always!

Maybe Shaun Bridgmohan to ride MTB? He rode Evening Attire to a bunch of wins and they both have the same late run style...I thought MS was kind of heavy on the whip on MTB, when he switched over to his right hand whip in the stretch poor MTB almost jumped a whole lane over, no need with that horse...

Lecylue-Very well said! I have been trainer for over 20 years and my family has been in racing for more than 75 years and I have never seen such disrespect for a Kentucky Derby winner in my entire life. This business of honoring commitments to other trainers doesn't fly with me, once a horse wins the Derby he is supposed to take preference and be a rider's first call over all others. I mean what does a horse have to do to get some respect? Chip Wooley should not wait around to see what Mike Smith is going to do, he is the trainer of the Derby winner and Preakness runner-up and the ball should be in his court. I agree 100% with the choice of Chantal Sutherland as MTB's rider, she knows the horse and will probably remain loyal to him for the rest of his career.

Joe Talamo should ride him

I am happy to see all the positive comments about Chantal Sutherland.  But I think Mine That Bird's owners would never let a "filly" ride their horse.  I would like to be proven wrong.

This is a great blog post in the NYT that helps explain how it works to acquire a jockey.

therail.blogs.nytimes.com/.../dance-of-the-jockeys-now-playing-at-all-tracks

Here is a quote from Chocolate Candy's trainer about selecting his jockey for the Belmont.

"'If they (Gomez) want to ride our horse they're going to ride him,' Hollendorfer said. 'If they don't then the obvious reason would be they think they have something else that would do better in that race. We have a lot of riders that are interested in riding Chocolate Candy, and we respect all of them, but Garrett's going to be the first choice.'"

As you see, no bitterness, because jockeys are independent contractors who need to a) ride the best horse they can in any race, and b) forge long term partnerships with horses, trainers, and owners.  MTB burst onto the scene after most riders have locked down a lot of rides over the Spring races.  It's unfortunate, but it happens, and it certainly does not reflect on either jockey's character.

Chantal hands down. She is as good as they come. Saw her last fall at Hollywood Park. Win or lose in the Belmont, she would stay with the horse for other races. Very loyal and very talented gal. Not sure those good ol boys from Texas would give a female jockey a chance.

You know nothing was said when a few other jockeys had to make the decision of what horse they wanted to ride so why be down on CB. He has been RA's jockey for most of her races and since she is a good filly would you not want to stay with her?  He did one heck of a job with MTB in the Derby and hopefully if RA is not going to run in the Belmont then they should let CB know IN CASE Wooley wants him to take another shot on MTB, don't forget that now CB has even worked MTB in the mornings at Churchill and is getting more familiar with him.  Don't begrudge CB for wanting to ride RA, he loves that filly.  I think it all comes down to a speedy decision by her connections and they should not drag their feet.  If Calvin does not get the ride then so be it but I see no reason in putting him down for his decision.  

Where is it written in stone that if you win the Derby you HAVE to ride that same horse in the rest of the Triple Crown.  If its in print I would be interested in reading it.  My second choice would be Chantell if the racing gods disallow the ride for CB if RA doesn't run.

mine that bird would have caught rachel if the race was just a little longer...i like rachel alexander...but she has not raced against the real super filly, zenyatta....that will be a race for the ages....no one beats the mighty zenyatta....no one.

I'm not sure who "Summer Bird's" normal jock is, BUT, if Calvin gets the nod...it's a lock !!!

Lecylue, Calvin does love this horse! He said so! Of course he loves Rachel, she's the best horse he's ever ridden. He rides her because she's probably the better horse. He is NOT being disrespectful to Mine That Bird, he's riding the horse he believes is better. He's said MTB has talent, and he's given him tons of credit. Those are just a few reasons why he SHOULD ride him again sometime. The other: HE GAVE MINE THAT BIRD THE BEST RIDE THE HORSE HAS EVER BEEN GIVEN!!!

I agree with both Edgar P. and Chantal S. as good choices for MTB. My first preference goes to Chantal as she was his regular rider in Canada and as she has no other Big Horse (or stable/trainer) that she rides she is likely to stick with him. The only thing I worry about there is that those "good ole boys" might not want a girl to ride their horse(she rode for the previous owners). Edgar may already be commited to Dunkirk and turn MTB down if offered. I also think Richard Migliore would be a great choice. I would hope that they ask for some kind of future commitment before they select his next jockey! Gogo might be available...I haven't heard anything about POTN going to NY.

Oh yeah I also remember that there were 4 months between the Belmont and the Gazelle. Does anyone honestly believe that Rags fractured her pastern 4 months after the Belmont and it was BECAUSE of the Belmont???

Barb, this is from Rags to Riches' bio on NTRA: The day after the Belmont, it was discovered Rags to Riches had a hairline fracture of her right front pastern. Given several months off and brought back into training for a 2008 campaign, the filly re-injured the pastern — an area between the ankle and the hoof — and was retired in late March.

No it is not a "rule" that a rider has to stick with a Derby winner throughout the Triple Crown but I cannot think of any other time that this has happened. This horse won the Derby, ran 2nd in the Preakness and is looking for a rider for the Belmont.  

Joe Talamo already commited to Summer Bird.

LOL...I posted that second comment on the wrong blog...lol oops!

TB...I don't know what her bio says but she ran second in the Gazelle on Sept 15 2007 to Lears Princess, she came out of that race with the fractured pastern. It is run at Belmont Park, maybe they misprinted something?

Lol... I can't believe I did that! Now I have to go find out where I meant to post it!

Isn't the "Oaks" race the "Derby" for fillies?  Calvin won on Rachel in the Oaks and he is her regular jockey.  He didn't dump MTB, he is sticking with his "Oaks" winner who he has committed to ride.  Calvin should be the choice.  He's #8 in the current standings for a reason.  He rides a horse and knows their style.  I think Wolley needs to wait a few more days and pick Calvin again if RA doesn't run since he's been on him before and this is a big race that needs an experienced rider!

Now here's synchronicity for you..... Mike Smith and Chantal Sutherland live together, Mike rides the Bird in the Preakness, finishes second, hands off to Chantal who wins the Belmont on the Bird. Talk about keeping it in the family!! She obviously knows the horse, even better than Calvin, and I really don't think the connections are thick enough to let a jockey's gender influence who can put the best ride on their horse.

However, whoever it was that wanted Joe Talamo on the Bird ....... you had better reconsider. The impression I have gotten of Talamo is that he is reckless as hell, and mostly with the safety of the horses he's on .... never mind that of the other jockeys and horses. His entire attitude smells of reckless youth with no tempering of it even as he is called out by the stewards for infractions. I would not want him on any of my horses ........ EVER. I would rather opt for a jock with some sense of what's going on around him, patience and the ability to draw a good run from his mount. I don't see Talamo with those qualities until he gets a bit longer in the tooth .... say maybe when he's old enough to vote. Sorry, Joe.

I told a friend in Oregon that every time I hear this whole Derby winner without a jock story that I can see the Bird standing on the street corner holding a sign that reads "want to run for carnations -- need rider to qualify" .....poor Bird; it's a shame he can't just go out and do it alone!! He and Rodney Daingerfield ..... neither gets any respect!

Cheers to all, and safe trips home.

Lecylue

You said it all.  Beautiful post.

bisquitzapper

Boy I so agree there.  She is un defeated and will stay that way!  Not a chance.  RA is a good horse but Zenyatta?  NO.  :)

May 2-5 I didn't really like Calvin Borel or Mine That Bird because "I knew" Chocolate Candy would win the Derby. CC only lost as a result of mud, Mike Smith and Cajun Bushtrack chicanery and conspiracies (ie, Ark.Derby/Patin/Valhol, Remotely controlled electrical devices concealed in Mr. Woolley's crutch, etc.,etc.),however, I began to watch the replay the Derby and MTB's prior races at Woodbine. I learned of his mid-May birthdate. He was a good one all along who didnt have "the numbers", who didnt race in "the preps", who didnt have "the trainer", who didnt fetch "the price" as a yearling and he was thus disregarded. He simply and undeniably destroyed the Derby field. Period. Yet he was the Rodney Dangerfield horse of the Preakess...no respect. He validated himself in the Preakness, as did Borel. Woolley and Co. would be well advised to return the mount to Borel if Rachel skips the Belmont which I fully anticipate will happen.

I, too think that Joe Talamo would be a great fit for MTB. He has shown, with IWR in the Wood, that he has patience & I think he has that inborn talent of all the great riders thruout racing history. Yes, he is very young, But, he has shown talent beyond his years. MTB, due to his spectacular closing runs, needs a fearless jockey who will take advantage of the holes as they pop open. Because he is a closer, MTB will always have traffic to maneover thru & he needs a jockey who is just as courageous as he is getting thru that traffic. MTB, being a gelding, will hopefully be racing for several years. He needs & deserves his own jockey. I really think Joe Talamo has the fearlessness that MTB needs in his jockey. It would also be great for Joe to be connected to such a horse. It would be great for any jockey, but most of the older ones are already established. Joe is just coming up the ranks. But, I spoke with Scott McClellan, Joe's agent, Tuesday afternoon. He also would love to see Joe on MTB. But, right after IWR got injured & it was known that he'd be out for a while, Joe Talamo picked up Summer Bird for the Belmont. So, he is already committed. But, Scott McClellan did say that it would be great for Joe's career if he were to then stay with MTB for the duration of his career, after the Belmont.

I don't think Chantel has the skill or the fearlessness to ride MTB as it has recently been discovered he likes to be ridden, from last to first in pratically a heartbeat. I can't see her going for the holes as they open for a split second. MTB needs someone who will find & take those holes without hesitating. The only jockey I can think of that shows that skill & fearlessness is Joe Talamo. I really like Edgar Prado, but I don't think he would ride MTB will that fearlessness either. When you have a closer such as MTB, you need a jockey who has specific qualities. Not all jockeys have that fearless quality, not even some of the greats. But, that is what MTB needs & that is what he deserves.

ColetteMarie

Colette

CalvinFan - Once again, if I must repeat myself. My number one reason was why Calvin shoud never climb on Mine That Birds back was he will ride Rachel over any other horse. If I must continue, Why would Mine That Bird's owner let someone keep riding their horse that only wants him if his super  horse is not running? Why would you expect them to wait for HIS decision before they have a jockey for their horse? That horse needs a jockey who is going to be ready to ride him no matter who the competition is!!!!! No, IF, ANDS OR BUTS. Once again, disagree if you want, it shows little to no respect for Mine That Birds ability! Calvin has Rachel, now let a jockey who would be proud enough to stand up on National TV and say Mine That Bird is the best in the country bar none be there for him. He runs his little heart out and he deserves that much!

I think that they will end up with Borel on MTB. Chantal is a great rider, but she rode him differently. I think that if they decide not to give Borel another chance then I would let Dominguez ride him.

Lecylue,

If a jockey is to stand up on national tv and say that Mine That Bird is the best, they would be lying big time. No offense to the horse, he can run, but by far not the best.

If the gal that rode MTB doesn't ride him the rest of his career...get Pat Day out of retirement. MTB's style looks like Unbridled to me. That horse and his outfit deserve more respect than they are getting. Of course I would be upfront and also demand a commitment before anyone else gets on him. Side note: Man O'War did also get a couple other riders through his career - certainly wasn't because the jocks were opting to ride something better, suspensions and injuries I believe. A great horse can a adapt if given a decent rider. Go little gelding GO!!! I hope he cleans up in the Belmost, Classic and Dubai!

I say pick Chantel to ride MTB. Her good looks will really appeal to fashion, strength, intelligence, skill, and beauty. She's already won on him before. Not sure if she has ever won a crown race. If not give her a chance!

I would love to see Calvin win his own Triple Crown. In fact, that should merit some sort of special honor, IMHO. Calvin is a sportsman everyone can look up to; he's as good a thing for the sport as Rachel is, and the industry could use all the buzz it can get. If Calvin won the Belmont on either horse, I can see the media carrying on the buzz that started with the Derby. Cool Cal is good for racing!

We know one thing, MTB is definitely not picky about a jockey!  He's one independent little cuss, so bring on the third jock! He'll take 'em all on, if he has to!  [laughing]

Too bad Carlos Madeira can't be that third jock for 'Little Bird' on June 6th.  You know who he is; he rode Peppers Pride to her 19 straight wins in New Mexico lst year.  Those NM cowboys can be counted on, for sure!  

Chip Woolley is right by looking for that third jock.  Just hope it's someone who will do the little horse right.

I do not here anyone talking about Charitable Man,I think he could be very tough in the Belmont.

Calvin gave Bird a super ride. Mike S did a pretty darn good job considering all the jocks were watching for him to come up the rail.  But Bird has proven that he is a super little guy, he has an incredible fan base and he needs a jockey who will love him and ride him the rest of the year.  I don't really know who would be best on him but I hope it's someone who appreciates his talent, knows how to get the best from the horse, cares about Bird and will stick with him.

As for Calvin's Triple Crown - it's something that has never happened before and, lately, we seem to be seeing all those somethings fall by the wayside.  And, if it happened, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

If you think Chantal can't find a hole with a one run horse, you have not seen her win at Sanita Anita. I was at the track when she won a stakes race with a horse plowing through the middle of the pack. A real gutsy ride without being on the favorite. She let the other riders wear themselves out and at the last minute made a big scrubbing move to get the win. Yeah, she can be patient and she can get a horse to move. Chantal or Joe would be good choices. I don't think Edgar is available.  

Get the best jockey you can for MTB, but make him commit all the way to the breeders cup

I agree with everyone who thinks that Edgar Prado should be offered the chance to ride the Birdy.  However, I would rather see him on Dunkirk.  Since GG chose PON for the Kentucky Derby over Dunkirk, I don't think he should get the chance to ride him in the Belmont -but I'm not sure Todd Pletcher would agree with me. I adore MTB (and one of Edgar's long shot Belmont wins was on 36-1 Birdstone, MTB's daddy), but I still believe Dunkirk is the best 3-year old (well, best male at least).  He had a tough trip in the Derby but I know he's going to do amazing things. Barbara

Bo-Rail blew his shot @ #12...one day hes going realize it...THAT DAY WILL BEE JUNE SIX...BREED MORE GELDINGS!!!...

I too, had Joe Talamo as my first choice for the Bird. Maybe he will get him later in the fall.

No disrespect for Rachel--- she is fantastic, but the Bird's still the word for me.

What an exciting way to live, and love. Just give me Joe Tamalo and Summer Bird. If Mind That Bird has a chance it will be because Tyler Baze gets the ride.

Mine That Bird, should get calvin if at all possible he is the best for that horse.Mike Smith did his best but he is not a rail rider like Calvin,what about Alan Garcia?

hey windblown in 1969 i got diane crump suspended 7 days for bad riding.i got barbara jo ruben 7 days for almost killing me and 7 other riders in a race.women have no right being on a horse in a race with men.they are too weak for a 1,000 pound race horse.

I agree with Cesar and if MTB is comfortable with Chantal go with her. Prado is not a bad choice either, puts a sentimental touch into the mix. I am glad we are all being very civil. We all have our favorites. My heart is with Mine That Bird, you gotta respect the fella and he did not get it, still. Media had him all wrong. He has made 4 million dollars and that is nothing to scoff at and it is a whole lot more than others made who got a whole lot more publicity at less wins. GO NEW MEXICO'S MINE THAT BIRD. And Chip and Dr., the ball is in your court, don't wait for Rachel's crew to decide if she is running or not get MTB his rider now. In The Preakness all Bird needed was some slack at the rail without having to go 6 wide to get around the railpack and then some to get to within 1 length of Rachel. May they all come back healthy is all i pray for.  

This is a no-brainer - they should pick Chantal Sutherland - and they should have picked her to ride MTB in the Preakness as well!

Heavens, where is all the animosity (esp. toward Calvin) coming from?  The real issue here is that we are lucky enough to be in a season where there are two stars, MTB and Rachel.

Unfortunately for MTB, he came on the scene after many jockeys had committed, and being from New Mexico, his connections didn't have longterm relationships with many of the riders good enough to get on a Derby winner.  If either of those two facts were different, the Bird wouldn't be shopping.

It is admirable that Mike has chosen to stick with his longtime supporters, and that Calvin feels so strongly about Rachel.  None of that means any disrespect toward MTB.  For one thing, assuming that Rachel doesn't run, they both realize they are probably giving up a win in a Triple Crown race---not easy for a jockey---and for another, they both know that there are many other riders out there who are ready, willing and able to do a fine job with the Bird.

In my opinion, both horses are great.  We won't know FOR SURE who is best until both have had a chance to rest and to train up to a race. Remember that Rachel was never pointed toward the Preakness or the Belmont; she did fine in the Preakness, but for that reason, I hope she skips the Belmont.  Between his pedigree and his training schedule, MTB has a distinct advantage.  Let's level the playing field and send them out against each other later in the season. And in the meantime, let's enjoy that we have them both.

If Calvin is free, I hope gets back aboard MTB.  He cried when he had to give up the mount.  But if he's not free, there are several who could do the job.  One of Mine That Bird's strong points is that he's a professional little horse, and he knows how to get around a race course.

The bottom line is that after two very difficult Triple Crown seasons, we have an embarrassment of riches here---great horses, great stories.  Racing should take a moment to bask in the glow.

For Pete's sake...doesn't anyone watch HRTV? Every noon they run the lineup and they have been talking all week that jockeys commit to certain horses. And that is what happened with Mike Smith and Calvin. If Wolley wants a rider why not pick Chantel (Mike's girlfriend) who brought such good luck riding Mine That Bird to begin with. I think people should know that jockeys can not just jump off one horse for another as they have managers who set them up. The managers tell them what to do and HRTV reported it twice this week about Calvin and Mike both. Personally I think both horses are great and of course we won't have a triple crown this year, but don't blame the jockeys for skipping around on horses. Blame their managers.

We've had a "Tiger Slam". I'm definitely rooting for a "Calvin Crown".

Sutherland is only 38 for 258 in what is supposed to be her star-turn year. Belmont is not Woodbine and she was quoted as saying she was "shocked" that MTB won the Derby. If she was a he, the name wouldn't even come up.

The Prado/Birdstone storyline is nice and he's a class guy as well as a Belmont winner. I think it may be GG, though he hasn't won a Belmont, because he would probably commit to next year.

It's pointless to run Rachel in the Belmont, but Jones and Asmussen have done pointless things before: like running Curlin in a second BC Classic -- I'm still scratching my head -- after a grueling campaign and in spite of everyone's desire to see him run in The Arc where even a loss on a right-handed turf course in Europe's biggest race would have only added to his legacy.

It's nice that The Belmont is turning out to be such an intriguing race in a non-Triple Crown year.

I will understand if Chip goes with another Jockey...Like he says:It is just buisness....How often will Calvin ride for him again???....Unless he gets a few more "Good" horses and comes back to kentucky...It is the same with Mike Smith...He has to stay with his California connections!!!!

let the MIG ride the LITTLE GUY THAT FLYS!!!...LONG LIVE THE GELDING!!!...

I'm going to be rooting for MTB.  If that means there will be no "Calvin crown," so be it.  MTB is a great little horse.  He kind of reminds me of Seabiscuit, a little "nobody" with guts.  I hope eventually he will have a jockey who is committed to HIM.

I'm with Bellwether!

This years' Kentucky Derby was a highlight in my life.  God Bless Mine That Bird and God Bless Calvin for his stellar riding ability. I felt sad for MTBird, seeing Calvin win on Rachael...and not with him...and to think he missed by only ONE LENGTH! I would be spirited to the Heavens to see Calvin Win the Belmont Stakes ON MINE THAT BIRD!  God help them do it.

I agree that dual Belmont winner Edgar Prado would be an excellent choice for MTB.  As for Borel, he's never even ridden in the Belmont Stakes so no great loss there.  

And before you Borel fans go ballistic over my opinion that he's a poor choice for the Belmont, ask yourself why at age 42 he's never been tapped to ride a horse in the Belmont Stakes.

I want Edgar Prado to ride MTB.  haven't heart much from him since Barbaro.  he's a fine jockey and fine person.  I feel MTB will win, no matter who rides him.  

well you're right, Blue Hen.  MTB does remind me of Seabiscuit, too.

I also hope for Chantal. She has said that MTB is jockey friendly but it would be nice for the little guy to get a familiar rider. As for Talamo, remember he's young and still learning the ropes, remember 18 yr old Steve Cauthen? Brought  home Affirmed for a TC when everybody said experience was needed.

I hear you loud and clear Lecylue. I agree with you but I just don't know who would be the best for MTB. I like RA and I have a lot of respect for her connections but I want to see MTB get the Belmont. If I heard Asmussen correctly in an interview I thought he said that Borel approached them after the purchase of RA and hearing of a possible Preakness run asked to be back aboard. That initially ticked me off. It sounded as if the RA connections weren't exactly begging Calvin to ride her. Anyway I have calmed down. Can RA defeat Zenyatta? Not by the looks of todays Milady.

Well I think MTB's connections need to find a rider for the horse , it is starting to seem like JJ is playing cat n mouse with the whole rider thing , he has every one where he wants them   on the ropes and it craws me to read over and over what a great sportsman he is  BUNK  he will hold out to the last minute on weather RA runs or not  hoping that Calvin would commit to MTB and then he will replace calvin with Robby A  Which IMO he would have already done if Calvin wasnt a hometown hero and it would make him look like a bad guy for doing so !

mike smith had the best horse. why no comments about the poor decision he made at the preakness? the preakness is only a mile and a sixteenth. if he had sooner chose to go wide , he would have easily won. instead he found no room on the rail or inside. he was blocked. so you must go wide. after seeing he had no where to go , too late he went wide , yet as strong a horse as MINE THAT BIRD is , he only lost by a length. this is so sad , equally sad that there is no criticism. this is the reason that mike smith will not ride him in the belmont. MINE THAT BIRD , WILL PROVE TO BE HORSE OF THE YEAR!!!!!

       I think Prado would be the best choice for MTB .He won with MTB's sire in the Belmont! I just dont think RA can get the distance! Speaking of Jockeys ,What ever happened to Javier Castellano ? He was great with Bernardini and others...

I vote for Chantal. She got the job done with the 2 yr Canadian Ch. and she certainly has done nothing wrong on MTB. Once Calvin and Mike have taken off, I think it leaves the door wide open. I can appreciate Mike's honoring his commitment due to Zenyatta's connections. I'm sure he would have loved to be on MTB in the Belmont, I heard him say in the interview with Gary Stevens, that he believes with or without the filly MTB wins the Belmont.

Mine That Bird + Edgar Prado...

Perfect match.  

Personally, I think Borel is staying where the money is, a constant source from connections with large stables.  Shameful, that he turned down a Derby Winner!  Then again, Mine That Bird's connections don't have tons of horses or money to keep Borel in rides, just my humble opinion.

Sharon

I believe that Calvin COULD have a triple crown had he not jumped ship on MTB.  :)

Lecylue and everyone else negative about the jockey switches....maybe YOU should watch HRTV sometime. They have been talking all week about the jockey switch off the horses and its NOT Calvin who made the decision. Its his MANAGER!!  They had a deal with the first owners Calvin would ride RA in all her races. Then along came MTB needing a rider and the owners and trainer asked Calvin as he had no ride for the Kentucky Derby and he said yes. He even said he did it because he had no horse and the owners and trainer of MTB were told at the very beginning Calvin was committed to RA. That it might only be a one time ride for him on MTB. So know your facts before you blame these jockeys for mount swapping. The same thing with Mike Smith. His agent has hm contracted to certain trainers. Stop blaming the jockeys for MTB being riderless right now. MTB and RA are both great horses and who ever is going to win is going to do so because they are good. It's not the jockey making them win. Of course whatever mount I see Calvin riding I will bet on even if its a long shot. I think he knows what he is doing but so does Mike Smith. Its just a shame Mike Smith is committed to another horse in another state the day of the Belmont.

I agree wholeheartedly with those of you who feel that Chantal should be on MTB.  She has won with him at Woodbine, she has the patience this gelding requires and it'd make a great story line....BoRail getting beat by a GIRL instead of riding one.  Prado does not get my vote, tho he is certainly one of my favorites current jocks- he is on a bit of a bad riding streak.  As for Talamo- he totally lacks the patience that MTB needs.  Go Chantal!

I'm rooting for Mine That Bird to win the Belmont.  He has the pedigree (remember his dad??) and tactical speed to get it done - it's his race to lose. I hope RA gets a rest.. Her pedigree is not suited for the distance (especially a mile and a half!) and she's already beat the boys -- she can beat them later down the road. I'm not against the girls taking on the boys, I just think it would be in the best interest of RA.

As far as the rider for MTB, it would be so cool if Chantal got the mount.