The $300k Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is race 10 at Pimlico on Friday. The 2012 edition of this prestigious race features a strong field of nine lasses reay to go the nine furlongs distance on the day before the Preakness Stakes.
Glinda The Good (Hard Spun x Magical Flash by Miswaki): This one probably isn’t suited for top competition at this distance, but I must comment on her absolutely tremendous pedigree. She is a half sibling to several stakes horses and the broodmare is half to Grade 1 winner Magical Maiden. That said, I don’t see the closer having a shot at anything more than a minor award. Corey Nakatani rides for Steve Asmussen.
Disposablepleasure (Giacomo x My Canada by With Approval): Who could forget her amazing win the Grade 2 Demoiselle Stakes last year where she rallied from last to win despite a bad stumble? She hasn’t shown that talent in two starts as a sophomore, but Todd Pletcher seems to think she still has it. JJ Castellano has the assignment on this closing lass.
Welcome Guest (Unbridled’s Song x My Friend C. Z. by Seeking The Gold): Produced a sharp effort last out to be second in the Grade 3 Comely Stakes behind Kentucky Oaks second place finisher Broadway’s Alibi. Before that she broke her maiden by five and two parts of a length against four other foes at Gulfstream. This filly is bred to love the distance, but this is a tough spot to go two turns for the first time. Keep an eye on her for the future, but don’t count on here this time. Ramon Dominguez will be up for Chad Brown.
Mamma Kimbo (Discreet Cat x Bag Lady Jane by Devil’s Bag): Impressive winner of the Grade 2 Fantasy Stakes for Bob Baffert last out. She won that race after having just a six furlong maiden win to her name. The second and third place finishers in the Fantasy had little to no impact on the Kentucky Oaks in their next starts so we should naturally question the quality of that group. The 7-5 favorite could get a free lunch on the lead and that will make her dangerous. Without a doubt the horse to beat given her recent works, early speed and ability to get the distance.
Oaks Lily (Badge of Silver x En Silence by Rahy): On figures, this one hasn’t really got a shot. She broke her maiden by a nose at Keeneland, but that was her eighth trip to the races. The works are hot and the connections are dead set on facing top competition. They have secured top jockey Julien Leparoux as well. Cant see it on paper, but there are subtle signs that the Timothy Hills pupil may have turned the corner.
Plum (Pure Prize x Bamba by Not For Love): She beat Acting Happy last out, a five year old mare that won this race in 2010. Her rival had trouble, but it was a good effort nonetheless. Versatile runner can stalk and close, but might have trouble going the distance in this spot. Abel Castellano rides for Rodney Jenkins.
In Lingerie (Empire Maker x Cat Chat by Storm Cat): Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners scooped this filly up and sent her to Todd Pletcher after an impressive six length debut win at Turfway Park. Her first start for the new connections was a second place effort in an optional claiming event at Gulfstream, where she was four and two parts of a length behind the magnificent Zo Impressive. Her last start was in the Grade 3 Bourbonette Stakes at Turfway where she trampled the competition by six lengths in wire to wire fashion. I’m going to look for her to sit right behind the favorite and outlast her in the stretch. She is my top pick to win with John Velazquez a board.
Wildcat’s Smile (Forest Wildcat x Serenity’s Smile by Dixie Brass): Won her 2012 debut against statebred company at Aqueduct on April 20. She was second in the Demoiselle to Disposablepleasure to end her 2011 campaign. It’s tough to see her holding up at this distance second off the shelf against such stellar company. Dominic Galluscio trains and Anna Napravnik will ride.
Zucchini Flower (Flower Alley x Heathers Promise by Silver Buck): She is bred to stay for days and the works are strong. It’s tough to picture her winning based off that last race, but Graham Motion knows what he is doing. Sheldon Russell will be in the irons.
Our top pick to win the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is In Lingerie. She strikes me as a filly that is only going to improve with more distance and she should sit a perfect trip behind the speed. Look for favored Mamma Kimbo to hold on for second place honors. You can bet this race at TVG, where new players get a $150 sign up bonus!