Superstar filly takes on boys in Preakness

American racing fans are set for an eagerly-awaited clash of the sexes as Rachel Alexandra lines up against Mine That Bird in Saturday's Preakness Stakes at Pimlico.

The pair claimed the Kentucky Oaks and Derby respectively at Churchill Downs earlier in the month, with Rachel Alexandra triumphing by 20 lengths in the fillies' heat while Mine That Bird was a seven-length victor in the Derby.

Both horses were ridden by Calvin Borel and he has opted to stick with Rachel Alexandra in the nine-furlong Classic with Mike Smith taking over aboard Mine That Bird.

Following her Churchill Downs romp, Rachel Alexandra was purchased privately by Jess Jackson, owner of Curlin, and Harold T McCormick and pair stumped up $100,000 to add her to the Classic field.

The daughter of Medaglia D'Oro is the first filly to attempt the Oaks-Preakness double and the last of the fairer sex to triumph at Pimlico was Nellie Morse back in 1924.

However, despite the statistics being piled up against his filly, Jackson feels the Steve Asmussen-trained contender is up to the task.

'Yes, fillies as a general rule may not recover as quickly as a stallion,' Jackson told Thoroughbred Times.

'I don't see her recovering as quickly as Curlin, but at the same time, she has recovered. Her works are brilliant, well in-hand. She virtually pulls the exercise rider around the track. We have trouble containing her.

'The essence of the horse is she's capable of it and she has the strength and endurance to make it work.'

Mine That Bird's trainer Chip Woolley believes Borel's replacement Smith will do a fine job aboard the Birdstone gelding.

'Mike's a patient rider. He fits my horse,' Woolley told Daily Racing From.

'As long as the Derby winner is 100%, he needs to run in the Preakness, - you need to try to keep the Triple Crown alive.'

Mine That Bird came from last-to-first in the Run For The Roses and he will face runner-up Pioneerof The Nile, third-placed Musket Man, fourth Papa Clem and unplaced pair General Quarters and Freisan Fire once again.

Bob Baffert, trainer of Pioneerof The Nile, is looking forward to seeing how his colt fairs against Rachel Alexandra.

'Running against the filly, it's going to be a real exciting race,' he said.

'This is going be as exciting as watching the Derby. We're all pumped up for this one.'

A total of 13 runners are set to go to post at the Baltimore track with more than $450,000 awaiting the winner.