PREAKNESS STAKES:US RACING fans are set for an eagerly-awaited clash of the sexes as Rachel Alexandra lines up against Mine That Bird in tonight's (11.15pm Irish time) Preakness Stakes at Pimlico in Baltimore, Maryland.

The pair claimed the Kentucky Oaks and Derby respectively at Churchill Downs earlier in the month, with Rachel Alexandra triumphing by 20 lengths in the fillies’ heat, while Mine That Bird was a seven-length victor in the Derby.

Both were ridden by Calvin Borel, who has opted to stick with Rachel Alexandra in the nine-furlong Classic. Mike Smith takes over aboard Mine That Bird.

Following her Churchill Downs romp, Rachel Alexandra was purchased privately by the pair of Jess Jackson, owner of Curlin, and Harold T McCormick, and they stumped up €75,000 to add her to the Classic field.

The daughter of Medaglia D’Oro is the first filly to attempt the Oaks-Preakness double, and the last of the fairer sex to triumph at Pimlico was Nellie Morse back in 1924.

However, despite the statistics being piled up against his filly, Jackson feels the Steve Asmussen-trained contender is up to the task.

“Yes, fillies as a general rule may not recover as quickly as a stallion,” Jackson said.

“I don’t see her recovering as quickly as Curlin, but, at the same time, she has recovered. Her works are brilliant, well in-hand. She virtually pulls the exercise rider around the track. We have trouble containing her.

“The essence of the horse is she’s capable of it and she has the strength and endurance to make it work.”

Mine That Bird’s trainer, Chip Woolley, believes Borel’s replacement Smith will do a fine job aboard the Birdstone gelding.

“Mike’s a patient rider. He fits my horse,” Woolley said. “As long as the Derby winner is 100 per cent, he needs to run in the Preakness – you need to try to keep the Triple Crown alive.”

Mine That Bird came from last-to-first in the Run For The Roses, and he will face runner-up Pioneerof The Nile, third-placed Musket Man, fourth Papa Clem and unplaced pair General Quarters and Freisan Fire once again.

Bob Baffert, trainer of Pioneerof The Nile, is looking forward to seeing how his colt fairs against Rachel Alexandra.

“Running against the filly, it’s going to be a real exciting race,” he said.

“This is going be as exciting as watching the Derby. We’re all pumped up for this one.”

Thirteen runners are set to go to post at the Baltimore track with more than €330,000 awaiting the winner.