The 2019 edition of the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for three-year-old fillies is scheduled for 4:48 p.m. EST at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore, MD. The $250,000 event is race 11 on a 14 race card and has attracted a field of nine contenders, all of which appear to have a winning chance. Let’s take a look!
#1 Sweet Diane 15-1 (Will Take Charge, Inside Passage by Tiznow) will be making her first start since bringing a hefty $500,000 final bid at the Keeneland’s April Sale last month. Her new trainer, Eddie Kenneally, has enlisted top rider Jose Ortiz for this mission. She certainly looks fast enough to win on her best effort and has shown an ability to pass horses down the lane which, in a race loaded with speed, is nice to see.
#2 Off Topic 8-1 (Street Sense, Off Limits by Include) stayed on well to be third in the Grade 2 Gazelle Stakes when last seen. Certainly appreciates this distance, but might not be as talented as some of her foes. Prefer others. John Velazquez rides for trainer Todd Pletcher.
#3 Ulele 15-1 (Candy Ride, Princess Arabella by Any Given Saturday) is impeccably bred, but finished behind Off Topic two starts back and if we don’t like Off Topic then it is hard to like Ulele. There are things to like, such as her early speed and likely affinity for the distance, but for us, others rate higher. Trifecta and superfecta contender on her best effort.
#4 Cookie Dough 3-1 (Brethren, Brooke’s Valentine by Fusaichi Pegasus) is a speedy filly that has made a name for herself by cracking the heads of Florida-bred horses. Open company, however, is much tougher, but she’s excelled there too with a second place finish in the Grade 2 Davona Dale and a third place effort in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks. In a race where we can make a case for almost every filly in the race to win it is hard to take a short price on this Florida-bred lass.
#5 Our Super Freak 20-1 (Mineshaft, Thatcher by Giant’s Causeway) is from the barn of Jamie Ness who is winning at an eye popping 58% clip with horses starting at Pimlico (12-7-1-1). She will relish the extra ground of today’s race and looks to be improving. It will take the race of her life to win, but if she does it then you will get paid in a big way.
#6 Always Shopping 4-1 (Awesome Again, Stopshoppingmaria by More Than Ready) has improved with every start which culminated with an impressive score in the Gazelle Stakes when last seen. She can rate behind the speed and is the most complete horse in the race. We believe she should be the favorite, but is instead the third choice on the morning line. Top pick.
#7 Brill 5-1 (Medaglia d’Oro, Hung The Moon by Malibu Moon) could finally be ready to live up to her million dollar price-tag. The Grade 1 placed filly will be making her third start after a layoff which is statistically speaking when most horses run their best race. She likes to go fast early, as do many of the horses in this race. She might be the best of the early pacesetters. Not out of the question.
#8 Point of Honor 5-2 (Curlin, Zayanna by Bernardini) is the lightly raced favorite on virtue of an impressive maiden win followed by a score in the Suncoast Stakes from Tampa Bay Downs. She flopped in the Gulfstream Park Oaks, but bettors are likely to give her another chance in a race that will set up perfectly for her running style. Certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see her win, but in a competitive race we are going to demand more value.
#9 Las Setas 15-1 (Seville, Tanca by Polish Numbers) is the local hope for owner, breeder and trainer Katherine Voss. She is by a German-bred sire (don’t see that often!) and has reeled off four consecutive wins. Today is the “acid test” and we will see if she can hang with the top fillies. Not impossible.
Selections
First: #6 Always Shopping 4-1
Second: #1 Sweet Diane 15-1
Third: #7 Brill 5-1