The Preakness Letters: 2009

Dear Mine That Bird,
The last two weeks have been great. You won the roses at 50-1 and made the cover of Sports Illustrated. For the next few hours, you'll remain on top of the racing world. I'll never forget our time together, but I'm writing to let you know that I'm leaving you for someone else.

Look, you're a great guy, but I just didn't feel a connection when I saw you at Churchill Downs. And now people are starting to question your Beyer figures - they think your Derby run was a fluke and I just can't be with someone who has historically been slow and lacked class.

I hope you understand.

Love Always,

NYSPI



Dear Rachel Alexandra,

Girl, I can't lie...I've had my eye on you since the Kentucky Oaks. And it looks like you've got your eye on the prize.

My heart tells me that we could share a bright future together.

I'm in Maryland on business today - can I meet you in the winner's circle?

Eternally Yours,

NYSPI


Dear Calvin Borel,

You're so hot right now you could probably win the Preakness on a donkey. Some question your loyalty after you ditched Mine That Bird for the filly of your dreams, but I don't.

I respect that you're unwaveringly sticking to your word - that you believe Rachel Alexandra is the best horse in the world. So, I guess there's just one more thing (or two) left to do.

Mine That Bird was a great Derby story, thanks to you.

Now, we're all counting on you to show us what girl power really means.

Prove to everyone why it's wrong to perpetuate hasty generalizations - like the notion that the girls shouldn't run in the big boys races.

Take her on home Calvin.

Sincerely,

NYSPI