Here's my take on how Borel ended up back on Mine That Bird, and no one's feelings got hurt.

When Rachel Alexandra won the Preakness, the next question on everyone's mind was "who will ride Mine that Bird?"

Woolley publicly announced that Mike Smith (who rode MTB to a gutsy 2nd in the Preakness)  had the ride, and after a day or so of confusion, the news was that Mike could not ride MTB in the third leg of the Triple Crown, because he needed to honor his commitment to the Mosses and stay on Madeo, (huh?)  running all the way on the West coast on Belmont Stakes day.

That seemed a bit odd, don't you think?

Its unlikely that the Mosses drew a line in the sand and threatened to hold their breath and take Zenyatta away from Smith if he failed to ride Madeo. That's not their style; they're much too classy for that. So, here's what I think happened, based on zero actual evidence, but what the heck. . . opining is still free:

If you watch the post-race interview with Borel, after he won the Preakness, his comments could have easily applied to a horse that LOST the race. . .with phrases like "she wasn't handling the track," "it took a lot more out of her. ..etc." There was still a chance that she would run in the next leg, and with horses, especially a filly who is brand-new in the barn, it takes a few days to sort everything out.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, (hold on, this gets complicated!)

Woolley thought he could get Smith back on, Smith didn't want to take the ride from Borel if Rachel didn't enter the race, so Smith (wisely) took himself out of the equation by staying faithful to the connections that have been good partners in the past and will certainly be good partners for many years to come.

Don't you think it was odd that the connections of Mine That Bird were so patient and understanding?

That's not a knock on them, but looking back, their "it'll work out" attitude makes sense if you buy into my theory.

It was like a dance behind the scenes

So, when Rachel calls and says she'll be busy that day, she needs to wash her hair, all of the pieces fell into place:

• Smith was out of the picture (gracefully)
• Woolley and Company were gracious and appreciative,
• Jackson gets some pats on the back, and
• Borel slides easily back onto the 'Derby winner.

What do you think of my theory?