Connections
Hal Wiggins
As third-generation horseman Hal Wiggins puts it, he is a member of the '"old school of horsemanship." His father Don and his grandfather owned and trained Quarter Horses who competed in match races at bush tracks throughout Texas and Louisiana. Although Wiggins graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in accounting, he found his true calling as a trainer. // Full Bio ›
Calvin Borel
Calvin Borel was born in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, and began riding match races in his home state at age eight before launching his professional career at 16. "All I ever wanted to be was a jockey. // Full Bio ›
L & M Partners
L & M Partners is the stable name of Dolphus Morrison of Columbia, Missouri, and Michael Lauffer of Paintsville, Kentucky. Morrison bred Rachel Alexandra and named her after his oldest granddaughter. He sold an interest in the filly to Lauffer last autumn, but Morrison remains the principal decision-maker regarding her campaign. // Full Bio ›
Dolphus Morrison
Dolphus Morrison of Columbia, Missouri, bred Rachel Alexandra and named her after his oldest granddaughter. The president of SMI Steel, Inc., Morrison first dabbled in Quarter Horses before shifting his attention to Thoroughbreds, where he soon teamed up with horseman Hal Wiggins. // Full Bio ›
Justin Dew
John Asher
James Scully
Jill Byrne
Community Analysis and Commentary
WSBTSB
03/10 8:49 pmNot quite on the bandwagon yet...that'll change if she kicks 'em in the teeth again Saturday at the Fairgrounds.
cocoabeans
03/10 11:53 pmRachel Alexandra is going to be serious contender for the Kentucky Derby. That's right, I said Derby not Oaks. Her race this Saturday will be another effortless win and her connections will begin getting Derby Fever. I've been proven wrong before but I know a great horse when I see one.
WSBTSB
03/11 5:13 pmHmm...well I don't know what Jill, Justin, etc. think...but it may depend on what Stardom Bound does. If Stardom Bound passes on the Derby, and if Rachel Alexandra has raked in the necessary graded earnings to get in the top 20 (I don't where she stands on that to be honest) who knows she may get that chance.
cocoabeans
03/11 9:24 pmStardom Bound will stick with the girls. I don't think she proved herself much in her last two races, even though she won. She would need to run an unbelievable race in the Ashland to even be considered for the derby in my opinion. Rachel Alexandra currently sits in 16th place on the graded earnings list and a win in the Fairgrounds Oaks will guarantee her a spot in the top 20. She still needs to run a big race to be considered, but her competition won't be too tough and she should win in another hand ride. l bet that her connections will choose the Arkansas Derby for her next, and then hopefully the derby.
WSBTSB
03/14 6:23 pmWow...that would be interesting a matchup between R.A., Friesan Fire, and Old Fashioned...if it happens.
cocoabeans
03/19 12:16 amWell, shows what I know. Her trainer, Hal Wiggins, said it was all media hype when saying that the derby was a possibility even though he was quoted saying that the derby would possibly if she won easilly. I don't really understand. I really believe she would have had a huge shot in the derby, but oh well, I guess she'll just have to dominate the oaks instead.
Notice
We are increasing comment moderation during Derby Week. It may take up to 7 MINUTES before your comments appear on the site.