All eyes on Rachel Alexandra at Preakness

Rachel Alexandra has proven to be the top filly in the US but the true test arrives this weekend when she takes on a dozen of the top male three-year-olds in the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore.

The talented filly is centre of attention for the $1.1 million 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."

The early 8-5 favourite has been unbeatable this year against the fillies, winning all four of her races including a breathtaking 20-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.

Rachel Alexandra will start from the outside post in the 13-horse race while the gelding Mine That Bird, co-third favourite at 6-1, will break from the number two slot at Pimlico Race Course.

Mine That Bird captured the Derby by six lengths, scooting along the rail in a daring move by jockey Calvin Borel, whose nickname is 'Bo-Rail' for his love of taking the inside route.

Borel is Rachel Alexandra's regular rider and has decided to jump off the Derby champion this weekend in favour of the filly. Hall of Famer Mike Smith will instead climb aboard Mine That Bird.

Seven Derby starters decided to make the trek to Pimlico including the Bob Baffert-trained runner-up Pioneerof the Nile.