Rachel Alexandra was made the early 8-5 favorite yesterday for the Preakness Stakes, the first filly accorded that status since 1988.

She brings a five-race winning streak into Saturday's 1 3/16-mile race at Pimlico in Baltimore.

Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Calvin Borel, Rachel Alexandra drew the No. 13 post on the far outside.

"It's beautiful. She's going to be able to get position," said Scott Blasi, Asmussen's assistant.

Borel chose to stay on as Rachel Alexandra's regular rider, switching off Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, who gets Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith.

Pioneerof the Nile, the Kentucky Derby runner-up, was made the 5-1 second choice in the 13-horse field by Pimlico oddsmaker Frank Carulli. The colt drew the No. 9 post.

Mine That Bird and Friesan Fire were the co-third choices at 6-1. Mine That Bird will break from the No. 2 post; Friesan Fire is in the No. 5 spot.

The field, from the rail out: Big Drama (10-1), Mine That Bird (6-1), Musket Man (8-1), Luv Gov (50-1), Friesan Fire (6-1), Terrain (30-1), Papa Clem (12-1), General Quarters (20-1), Pioneerof the Nile (5-1), Flying Private (50-1), Take the Points (30-1), Tone It Down (50-1) and Rachel Alexandra (8-5).

BASKETBALL

DIXON TO COACH U19 TEAM

Former University of Hawai'i assistant coach Jamie Dixon was named head coach of the 2009 USA Basketball Men's U19 World Championship Team, USA Basketball announced Tuesday. Dixon, head coach at the University of Pittsburgh, is this year's Naismith Men's College Basketball Coach of the Year.

Coaching selections were made by the USA Basketball Men's Junior National Team Committee.

Sixteen countries will compete in the 2009 FIBA U19 World Championship, July 2 to 12 in Auckland, New Zealand. Athletes 19-years-old or younger are eligible.

NFL

TAYLOR TO DANCE IN MIAMI

Jason Taylor's newest step has him back where he started. The dancing linebacker signed a $1.5 million, one-year contract yesterday with the Miami Dolphins.

Taylor played his first 11 seasons with Miami before being traded a year ago to the Washington Redskins — a fallout from his stint on the TV show "Dancing With the Stars." He was released by Washington in March after one injury-plagued season.

He will make $1.1 million in base salary and $400,000 in easy-to-reach incentives.

TENNIS

NO. 1 NADAL ADVANCES

Rafael Nadal powered past Jurgen Melzer, 6-3, 6-1, yesterday to advance to the third round of the Madrid Open in Spain.

The top-ranked player made just three unforced errors playing on clay in front of Spain's Queen Sofia, and converted all four of his break points.