Bio for Mine That Bird
Profile by Michael Hammersly
Earnings: $2,011,581
Strengths: He's gone from a virtual unknown to one of the most recognized names in the game off two big Triple Crown efforts. His Kentucky Derby win was monstrous, and for those who assumed it fluky after some modest Sunland Park form, he validated that good run with a sharp second to Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness. While his recent success has come with his new deep-closing style, he showed tactical speed in Canada last year, when he was champion 2-year-old there. The distance should suit as his daddy foiled Smarty Jones's Triple Crown bid by winning this race, and all reports are this guy is thriving despite the grueling Triple Crown campaign, even prompting rider Calvin Borel to say, after his Monday work, that he's going to win.
Weaknesses: The question, however, is whether he's turned the corner due to maturity or due to his new style. That's an issue here, because it may put him behind the eight-ball tactically to fall way back while Charitable Man and Dunkirk get first run on him. He may bring back that 2-year-old tactical speed, so he's not left with too much to do come furlongs 10, 11, and 12.
Strategy: He's prospered of late by sitting way back and making one run. However, he couldn't get to the filly in the Preakness and faces a similar dilemma here if he falls way back.
Value: You had your chance to get him at 50-1 when he won the Derby, even 6-1 when second in the Preakness. Now you're looking at a horse who may well go favored or who figures at least a strong second choice at around 2-1.
MARK ALLEN/DR. LEONARD BLACH
Allen’s Double Eagle Ranch is located in Roswell, N.M. Allen got his start in racing by mucking stalls at the age of 12, dealing mostly with Quarter Horses. Born Oct. 23, 1952 in Monticello, Utah, he has spent most of his life in New Mexico. Double Eagle Ranch serves as both a breeding operation and training center for both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses.
Dr. Blach (pronounced Block), is a veterinarian who has operated Bueno Suerte Equine, a 75-acre public breeding farm, in Roswell since 1972.
BENNIE ‘CHIP” WOOLLEY JR.
On crutches as the result of a motorcycle accident, Woolley vanned Mine That Bird by himself from New Mexico to Louisville, Ky. – a 21-hour trip – for the Kentucky Derby. He stopped at Lone Star Park on the way north, where the gelding galloped before heading on to Kentucky. Born December 21, 1963, Woolley started training in 1983, first with Quarter Horse and then with Thoroughbreds. He began training at the racetrack in his hometown of Raton, N.M. until it closed. Based at Sunland Park, not far from El Paso, Texas, Woolley spent time on the rodeo circuit as a bareback rider.
CALVIN BOREL
Borel, 42, could become th3 first jockey to win all three legs of the Triple Crown aboard two different horses. A native of St. Martin Parish, La., Borel became a two-time Kentucky Derby winner when he guided Mine That Bird up the rail to victory on May 2. Previously, he took the inside path – hence his nickname “Bo-Rail” -- to earn his first Derby victory with Street Sense in 2007. That year, he gained a huge fan following at Saratoga Race Course, riding Grade 1 winners Street Sense (Travers, Jim Dandy), Grand Couturier (Sword Dancer Invitational) and Lady Joanne (Alabama) and never failing to sign an autograph or pose for a photo. He has not had a previous Belmont Stakes mount.