Big Monday

Not to borrow from ESPN's college basketball, but today was certainly a big Monday in the horse racing world. First of all, Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird worked out as a prep for his run on August 2 in the West Virginia Derby. He went a solid half-mile in 48 1/5 seconds. I have to think that Chip Woolley is happy with that effort. In addition, 2009 Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra went six furlongs at Saratoga in 1:13.4 to get ready for her go in the Haskell Invitational on the same date at Monmouth Park.

Also, the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky sale kicked off and a Birdstone colt topped the take with a bid of $400,000 from Sheikh Mohammed. Hmmm, both the Derby and Belmont winner (Summer Bird) were Sired by Birdstone and now a Birdstone horse tops the opening day of one of the biggest sales of the season. I am certainly glad to see that some people are figuring things out. By the way, the Dam of this $400,000 colt has Seattle Slew present on that side of the ledger.

Finally, don't forget that summer starts this week with Del Mar opening up. Just as the Triple Crown fervor dies down, we have another wave of excitement coming and I, for one, love it.

Tune in tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!