All eyes on Rachel Alexandra at Preakness

By Steve Ginsburg

BALTIMORE (Reuters) - Rachel Alexandra has proven to be the top filly in the U.S. but the true test arrives on Saturday when she takes on a dozen of the top male three-year-olds in the Preakness Stakes.

The talented filly is centre of attention for the $1.1 million (722,536 pound) race, ahead of the 50-1 winner of the Kentucky Derby, Mine That Bird.

"The fans deserve to see the best horses compete regardless of sex," said Rachel Alexandra's co-owner Jess Jackson. "This isn't about male or female, it's about the best athletes."

The early 8-5 favourite has been unbeatable this year against the fillies, winning all four of her races including a breathtaking 20-1/4 length victory in the Kentucky Oaks two weeks ago.

The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro skipped the Derby and was purchased last week by Jackson's Stonestreet Stable and Harold T McCormick.

"Take a look at the lady, if you saw her run in the Oaks, she devastated the field," said Jackson. "She has stamina."

No filly has won the Preakness since Nellie Morse in 1924.

"She is the most special filly we've seen in a number of years," said Friesan Fire's trainer Larry Jones.