Outside post suits filly well

0 Comments | USA TODAY, May, 2009 | by Tom Pedulla

BALTIMORE -- Majority owner Jess Jackson is confident that 13 can be a lucky number for filly Rachel Alexandra when she takes on the boys for the first time as the 8-5 favorite in Saturday's Preakness Stakes.

"We are extremely pleased that Rachel Alexandra has the outside post. We need to be outside to stay out of trouble," Jackson said in a conference call after post positions were drawn Wednesday at Pimlico Race Course.

Scott Blasi, top assistant to newly hired trainer Scott Asmussen, echoed that sentiment. "With her being a filly and as much pressure as there will be on her," he said, "it's a long run into the first turn. That will enable her to establish position. I think it sets up well."

Their worst fear had been the rail or another inside post that...