The $300,000 G2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, set to go off as Race No. 13 at 5:44 ET at Pimlico Race Course, will showcase some of the most promising three-year-old fillies in the country.
Contested over 1-1/8 miles on dirt, this year’s edition has drawn a competitive field of nine runners, each vying for a chance at Grade II glory and a significant share of the lucrative purse.
Leading the charge is Margie’s Intention (3-1), a consistent performer trained by Brad Cox. She enters this race off back-to-back runner-up finishes in stakes company, including a gritty second in the Crescent City Oaks at Fair Grounds.
With jockey Flavien Prat aboard, this dark bay daughter of Honor A. P. will look to break through in graded company for the first time.
However, standing in her way is Runnin N Gunnin (5-2), a daughter of Gun Runner trained by Steve Asmussen. She has shown flashes of brilliance this year, including a sharp win in the Sunland Park Oaks, and will be looking to make a statement here.
The Field
- Liam in the Dust (6-1) – This filly has been close in graded stakes company, including a third-place finish in the G2 Demoiselle at Aqueduct. With Hall-of-Fame jockey John Velazquez riding her for the first time, she has the potential to make a strong showing if she can harness her early speed effectively over this distance.
- Princess Aliyah (15-1) – Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, this gray daughter of Into Mischief has struggled at this level, failing to hit the board in her two prior graded stakes tries. She’ll need a major form turnaround to contend here, though she did show some promise when winning the Valley of the Vapors Stakes at Oaklawn two starts back.
- Margie’s Intention (3-1) – Likely to attract heavy betting support, this filly has been knocking on the door of a big win, with four solid efforts this year. She will need to handle the stretch out in distance, but her consistency makes her a solid threat.
- Runnin N Gunnin (5-2) – Another major player, this Asmussen trainee has two wins this year and was a solid third in the Fantasy Stakes last out. She has a grinding style that suits this distance well, making her a formidable contender if she gets a clean trip.
- Kinzie Queen (10-1) – Comes into this race off an allowance win at Oaklawn Park, where she posted the best last-race Beyer in this field. She’ll be trying graded stakes company for the first time, but her improving form makes her a sleeper at double-digit odds.
- Paris Lily (8-1) – The Godolphin homebred flashed talent with a recent allowance win at Keeneland. However, her lone stakes try left much to be desired, making this a significant class test.
- Reply (8-1) – Lightly raced but talented, this filly from the Brittany Russell barn has been crying out for more distance and will get it here. She steps up significantly in class but has the pedigree to improve at this distance.
- Amarth (4-1) – A versatile filly with strong tactical speed, she figures to be a factor in the early pace. However, she has yet to prove she can finish strongly against this caliber of competition.
- Moon Cache (20-1) – The longest shot in the field, she has been a consistent performer at the allowance level but faces a steep climb in class here.
Win, Place, Show, Wildcard, and Longshot Picks
- Win: Runnin N Gunnin (5-2) – Proven at this distance and gets a favorable pace setup.
- Place: Margie’s Intention (3-1) – Consistent and tough, should be right there at the wire.
- Show: Kinzie Queen (10-1) – Improving form and strong recent Beyer make her a threat to hit the board.
- Wildcard: Amarth (4-1) – Could surprise if the early fractions are manageable.
- Longshot: Moon Cache (20-1) – Needs a big step forward but could pick up the pieces if the pace collapses.
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