In an almost-repeat of the Kentucky Derby, Mine that Bird came from dead last in the Preakness Stakes to lose to favorite Rachel Alexandra by less than a length. Granted, it makes for great television, but the Preakness revealed the Achilles' heel in this come-from-behind strategy. Without a route along the rail, Mike Smith got jammed up in the middle of the track and easily lost a length during his last-minute surge. Mine that Bird was the faster horse, but only as fast as the track and jockey allowed.

So there won't be a Triple Crown winner this year, but there may be a Triple Crown rider, as Calvin Borel was riding Rachel Alexandra this time around, the first filly to win the Preakness since 1924.

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