Handicapping the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan

By Rick Francis —-

The 98th Running of the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan drew a starting field of twelve 3-year-old filly’s highlighted by the Bob Baffert trained Faiza. A strong pair from the Brad Cox barn along with the Tom Amoss conditioned Hoosier Philly look to snap Faiza’s unbeaten streak; let’s take a look at the contenders.

PIMLICO

Race 13) 1&1/8th Mile. George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan S. Grade II. Purse $300,000 FOR FILLIES, THREE-YEARS-OLD.

9) Faiza – out of Girvin, filly is a perfect 5-for-5 and other than a close call as a juvenile in the G1 Starlet, she hasn’t been challenged; obvious one to beat.

7) Comparative – by Street Sense, she enters on a 2-race win streak with this however her first test against stakes company; should the top pick falter she’ll factor.

4) Merlazza – daughter of Medaglia d’Oro rolls in having won three straight; she’ll be heard from as the summer race season unfolds.

3) Hoosier Philly – Into Mischief filly has tumbled down the form ladder in each of her last two. After ending 2022 with an easing score in the Grade 2 Golden Rod connections had Oaks/Derby dreams to consider; this contest will determine if she goes to the “shed” or onto another race.

The field for the Running of the 98th Black-Eyed Susan:

1) Sacred Wish (Weaver/Velazquez)
2) Pate (Maker/Barbosa)
3) Hoosier Philly (Amoss/Morales)
4) Merlazza (Cox/Geroux)
5) Frosty O Toole (Pletcher/Rosario)
6) Miracle (Pletcher/Ortiz, I. Jr)
7) Comparative (Cox/Saez)
8) Balpool (Atras/Franco)
9) Faiza (Baffert/Prat)
10) Taxed ( Morse/Bejarano)
11) Cats Inthe Timber (Russell/Toledo)
12) Towhead (Maker/Gaffalione)