Margie’s Intention Overcomes Storm and Rivals to Capture Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes

In a dramatic renewal of the George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2), Margie’s Intention, under a determined ride by Flavien Prat, navigated a sloppy (sealed) track and a delayed start to emerge victorious, marking her first graded stakes win and a significant triumph for her new connections.

The race, a key event for three-year-old fillies run over one and one-eighth miles, saw a field of nine contenders vying for a piece of the $300,000 purse.

The event was notably delayed by over an hour due to severe thunderstorms that swept through the Baltimore area, but the inclement weather did little to dampen the spirits of Margie’s Intention.

Breaking from post position three, the Louisiana-bred daughter of Honor A. P. was making her first start for trainer Brad Cox and new co-owners WinStar Farm, who recently partnered with original owners Baron Stable.

As the gates opened, Paris Lily, ridden by Joel Rosario, quickly established the lead, setting swift early fractions of :22.73 for the quarter-mile and :46.38 for the half-mile, with Liam in the Dust initially pressing the pace.

Margie’s Intention, the 5-2 post-time favorite, settled comfortably along the rail, stalking the leaders. According to the race replay, Margie’s Intention was positioned about seven or eight lengths off the lead early before making steady progress.

Approaching the far turn, as Paris Lily continued to lead the field through three-quarters in 1:11.57, Prat began to ask Margie’s Intention for her run. Angling out for clear racing room entering the stretch, Margie’s Intention steadily gained on the game pacesetter.

Paris Lily dug in gamely along the rail, but Margie’s Intention, under Prat’s urging, relentlessly closed the gap. In the final sixteenth, Margie’s Intention surged ahead, ultimately winning by three-quarters of a length. The final time for the nine furlongs was a solid 1:52.05.

Paris Lily held on bravely for second, one and a quarter lengths clear of the late-rallying Kinzie Queen, who put in a strong effort under Junior Alvarado to secure third. Reply finished fourth, followed by Amarth, Liam in the Dust, Princess Aliyah, Moon Cache, and Runnin N Gunnin.

The victory was a significant milestone for Margie’s Intention, bred by Coteau Grove Farms, LLC. It was her first attempt in open company, having previously competed against Louisiana-breds, and her first win beyond a mile. This win also marked the first graded stakes success for her sire, Honor A. P., who stands at Lane’s End.

Winning trainer Brad Cox expressed his satisfaction post-race, stating, “We liked her a good bit. Elliott’s [Walden, President and CEO of WinStar Farm] team bought into her and it all paid off today. Obviously, a big win being a Grade 2 and we thought she would like the mile and an eighth and she pretty much needed all of it to get there.” He also noted her previous good performance on an off track.

Elliott Walden of WinStar Farm mentioned that the filly had been on their radar since the 2-year-old sales and was recommended by Thoro-Graph’s Jerry Brown.

This hard-fought victory in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes positions Margie’s Intention as a rising star in the three-year-old filly division, with connections looking forward to future top-level engagements.

Fractional Times: 22.73, 46.38, 1:11.57, 1:38.31
Final Time: 1:52.05

Winning Connections

Winner: Margie’s Intention
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Brad Cox
Owner: Baron Stable and WinStar Farm LLC
Breeder: Coteau Grove Farms, LLC
Bloodline: Dark Bay or Brown Filly, by Honor A. P. out of Playful Dancer, by Into Mischief. Foaled Mar 08, 2022 in Louisiana
Honor A.P. stands at Lane’s End, in Versailles, KY ($10,000 Live Foal / Stands & Nurses)

Payouts

• $1 EXACTA (3-6) Paid: $21.30
• $1 SUPERFECTA (3-6-5-7) Paid: $590.90
• $1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (3-6-5-7-8) Paid: $1,173.70
• $1 TRIFECTA (3-6-5) Paid: $115.40

Race Replay