Friday, May 20, 2011

The Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico

As a prelude to Preakness Day tomorrow, there are some good races today at Pimlico, including the Grade II Black-Eyed Susan. For 3 year old fillies, at a 1 & 1/8, it is named after the state flower of Maryland and the flower that will adorn the Preakness winner’s blanket tomorrow. (Modified  Gloriosa Daisies are actually used for the blanket, because Black Eyed Susans are not in bloom yet.)


The “Susan” is a short field of 6, and most all have a chance. The favorite will be Wyomia, though her trainer says she travels better on synthetics. JLep takes the call on this versatile filly and she is definitely the class of this field. Hot Summer is the other filly who will take lots of action; she has Ramon D. and will be going 2 turns for the first time.

Who will like the stretchout and the added distance is the question in here, as none of these fillies have ever run 1 & 1/8. Maybe you need to look at Royal Delta, who should love the distance, being by Empire Maker, out of an AP Indy mare. You will have to throw out her race at Tampa, when soundly beaten by Wyomia. It was her first race back after a 5 month freshening, and the Tampa surface is a tough surface to win on first time out. Buster’s Ready appears to be rounding to form after unsuccessfully beginning her campaign on turf, and it’s JV and Pletcher, and Edward Evans breeding, which you can never discount

Following the “Susan” is The Very One, a turf sprint for fillies. Rose Catherine is the class of this group, who, before running against colts, reeled off 4 straight wins. She could rebound in here. Seven year old Suzzona is just a win machine, and though she has always run cheaper, 13 wins at the distance on turf, shows her remarkable consistency.  A good trip and some luck could get her there.

But look out for Supreme. A well-bred filly by Empire Maker, her first start on turf at Tampa, was visually impressive for her late turn of foot, despite a troubled trip.

Today will be a good day to watch and wager and a good warm-up for the big day tomorrow.

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