Mine That Bird is having a hard time keeping a jockey. You’d think that a horse that wins the Kentucky Derby and comes in second in the Preakness would not be looking for a ride two weeks before the last leg of the Triple Crown, but circumstances have worked against him.

Calvin Borel thought he’d never have to choose between Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird as RA’s owners at the time said they wouldn’t run her against the boys. Only when she was sold to Jess Jackson did a conflict occur. Did Borel make the right choice? He’s been her regular rider and didn’t want to let another jockey take his place.

Mike Smith had already committed to riding in Madeo in the Whittingham Stakes — long before getting the ride on MTB. More importantly, Smith has a longstanding relationship with Madeo’s owners, Jerry and Ann Moss, and with their trainer, John Shireffs. He is the regular rider for another of their horses, Zenyatta, a contender for the Horse of the Year. It makes no sense (professionally) for Smith to make any other choice.

There is a lot of speculation as to whether Rachel Alexandra will run in the Belmont. If she doesn’t it would free up Borel to ride MTB but will MTB’s connections wait or seek out a third jockey.

In the meantime, it appears that Mine That Bird is taking matters into his own hooves. This was posted on Pedigree Query:

Post subject: Ad on Craig’s List. “Good Things Come in Small Packages”

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World Class Athelete seeks partner for thrills, chills, big bucks and maybe a good neck rub or two (I’ll miss Mike). I’m cute (some people say adorable), fit and ran the fastest last quarter of the Kentucky Derby since You Know Who!

I know that somewhere, out there in the racing world, there’s the right jockey for me. Could it be you?

Patience is a must. I start slow but once I get going–let me put it this way–you’ll never forget the ride!

Experience at winning mile and a half grade one races preferred, but I’ll accept the common sense to just get the hell out of my way and let me do my thing. Wusses need not apply–you point me there and baby, I’m going–even if it looks like we are about to be turned into a horse and jockey sandwich by a couple of 17 hand brontosauruses in blinkers.

Must absolutely love the idea of destroying the egos of horses that cost more than the national debt of some 3rd world countries with a horse that originally cost less than a used Toyota. Better yet, must love the idea of destroying the egos of the jokers who shelled out more than more than the national debt of some 3rd world countries for these losers with a horse that originally cost less than a used Toyota.

Long term relationship preferred but will accept a one race stand. If you can’t be in New York, ready to go, on June 6, 2009 don’t even bother to respond to this ad. Seriously, I’m starting to get a complex about this.

I’d love it if you’d be willing to relocate to New Mexico but I’m willing to accept a committed long distance relationship.

Please send picture and resume to my trainer, chipwooley@ridethebird.com. Or, you know what, that cowboy hasn’t exactly done me much good in the long term relationship department. Contact me directly at mindthatbird@ridethebird.com.

Let’s make history together.

As for a certain filly and that two-timing Cajun–I’ll see you at Belmont–you, me, my new jockey and the Big Sandy.
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