Rachel Alexandra hits the Haskell

Rachel Alexandra is ready to run against the boys again, and that might mean thoroughbred racing history is at hand.

"I expect the best is yet to come," co-owner Jess Jackson said in the buildup to today's $1.25 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J.

New Jersey racing officials are hoping for a record crowd of more than 53,000 when the 3-year-old filly who won the Preakness Stakes takes on Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird and five other fellas in the 11/8-mile Haskell.

She will attempt to become the second filly to win the Haskell -- Serena's Song won it in 1995. It's also the first meeting of a Preakness and Belmont winner in the Haskell since 1987.

"Rachel's an incredible force in the industry," Jackson said.

Mine That Bird beaten

Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird finished third in the West Virginia Derby, a Grade 2 stakes race that's not a common landing spot for a Kentucky Derby winner. Soul Warrior, at 23-1, won, and Big Drama, the betting favorite at 4-5, placed.

Former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson raised Robson, while fans paid their respects by placing flowers, scarves and shirts at Newcastle's ground. Robson was England's coach between 1982 and '90 and led the team to the 1990 World Cup semifinal.

"One of the kindest people I ever met," Eriksson said. "He helped me a great deal when I was a young coach. ...For me, he was the special one."

Venus Williams reaches final Second-seeded Venus Williams was at the top of her game as she advanced to the final of the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, Calif., beating third-seeded Elena Dementieva 6-0, 6-1 in a match that lasted just more than an hour.

Williams, who won for the 10th time in 11 matches, will play Marion Bartoli, who beat Samantha Stosur 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 in the other semifinal.

Gatti autopsy muddles matters A second autopsy performed at the request of former boxer Arturo Gatti's family has reopened the possibility that he was murdered.

"There were definite injuries that had not been seen by the Brazilian authorities," Baden said.

Undefeated fighter gains title

Devon Alexander won the WBC 140-pound title in Rancho Mirage, Calif., when Junior Witter quit before the ninth round of their bout for the vacant belt, citing a hand injury. Alexander, a 22-year-old rising star from St. Louis, remained unbeaten, moving to 19-0. Witter, from England, is 37-3.

Also on the card, Timothy Bradley defended his WBO 140-pound title by battering Nate Campbell, whose eye injury forced the fight to be stopped after three rounds. Bradley is 25-0, Campbell 33-6-1.

NBA: Kevin Ollie, who started 21 games for the Timberwolves at point guard last season, signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder will be his 12th team in 13 seasons.