Rachel Alexandra in foal to Curlin

By virtue of her match with Curlin, Rachel Alexandra has a further historical

parallel with Twilight Tear, who was bred to fellow Calumet Farm superstar

Whirlaway in her first two seasons as a broodmare.

Though Curlin didn't sweep the Triple Crown like Whirlaway, he nevertheless

has this in common with the Hall of Famer: both set earnings records in the

course of their careers. Whirlaway held the distinction of being the first to

bankroll $500,000, ultimately retiring with a world-record $561,161 to his

credit. Curlin currently ranks as North America's all-time leading earner,

brandishing $10,501,800 in his account.

Twilight Tear's first foal by Whirlaway was a 1947 colt named Foremost, who

compiled a rather meager 32-2-5-2 line. Her 1948 colt by Whirlaway, named

Coiner, was somewhat more successful. A three-time stakes winner, the hardy

campaigner raced 109 times, with a 20-14-13 mark.