Jockey goes after unique Triple Crown

ELMONT, N.Y., June 5 (UPI) -- Calvin Borel, who rode two different horses to victory in the first two Triple Crown races of 2009, could make thoroughbred racing history in the third.

Borel will be riding Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird when 10 horses compete Saturday in the Belmont Stakes.

Borel brought Mine That Bird from last place to a win in Kentucky thanks to a daring move in the stretch drive. He directed his mount through a narrow opening along the rail and romped home a runaway winner.

He then rode filly Rachel Alexandra to a victory in the Preakness Stakes, barely fighting off Mine That Bird. Mike Smith rode Mine That Bird at the Preakness, but is unavailable for the Belmont because of a prior commitment.

Rachel Alexandra's owners decided not to enter the filly in the Belmont, so Borel has gone back to Mine That Bird for the final Triple Crown race. If Borel's horse wins the Belmont, the jockey would become the first ever to win all three Triple Crown races in one year aboard two different horses.

Mine That Bird, assigned the No. 7 post position, has been installed the Belmont favorite after winning the Kentucky Derby as a 50-1 shot. With Mine That Bird's obvious closing speed, the horse has an excellent chance to prevail in the longest of the three major stakes races.

Although Belmont Park was hit by persistent rains Friday, forecasters said the sun should be shining Saturday for the 141st running of the 1 ½-mile conclusion to the Triple Crown season.