The field for the 84thrunning of the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, the highlight of the Friday card (with all due respect to the Pimlico Special) at Pimlico and namesake of the traditional drink of the Preakness has been officially set. While not of the same caliber as races such as the Kentucky Oaks, the Black Eyed Susan is no slouch. The Grade 2 race is run over 1 1/8 miles for a purse of $200,000. Let’s take a look at the field along with jockeys and morning line odds.
- Sherine (Alan Garcia) / 1A Pious Ashley (Kent Desormeaux) 8/1
- Sweet Vendetta (Channing Hill) 8/1
- Maren’s Meadow (Gabriel Saez) 15/1
- Highest Class (Robby Albarado) 7/2
- Bsharpsonata (Eric Camacho) 9/5*
- Seattle Smooth (Edgar Prado) 10/1
- One Step Ahead (Pablo Morales) 30/1
- Shes All Eltish (Garrett Gomez) 5/2
RIght away the two horses that jump out at you are Bsharpsonata and Shes All Eltish. Bsharpsonata will take a lot of play being a Maryland bred running in the State’s biggest filly race of the year. She just competed in the Kentucky Oaks two weeks ago, making Friday’s race something of an equivalent to the feat that Big Brown is attempting on Saturday. Of course, Bsharpsonata didn’t win the Kentucky Oaks - that honor went to Proud Spell. The Oaks played out rather strangely for Bsharpsonata, who led the field into the stretch. I’d expect her to rate a bit more on Friday in more of a tactical/stalking position.
Bsharpsonata takes on a tough field in the Ashland Stakes, losing to eventual KY Oaks runner up Little Belle by a neck.
Shes All Eltish is a filly I’ve used before that has a victory in the Grade 2 Bonnie Miss Stakes at Gulfstream Park (by 6 3/4 lengths, no less). Last time out she finished a disappointing 4th on the grass, and should appreciate a switch back to dirt on Friday. It’s rumored that her connections think she gets a bit worked up from time to time - you can see this early in the race replay of the Bonnie Miss below, and this was probably the reason she was not entered in the Kentucky Oaks.
Shes All Eltish takes the Bonnie Miss Stakes - Gulfstream Park 3/29/08
Another horse that may get overlooked here is Maren’s Meadow. She won the Grade 3 Bourbonette Oaks at Turfway Park in her most recent race. It remains to be seen if she can transfer that form from the Polytrack to the dirt, but she looks like one that could be on the gas early helping to set the pace.
Maren’s Meadow rolls in the Bourbonette Oaks
Highest Class is a daughter of Mineshaft that tends to find the bottom of trifecta tickets. It is noteworthy that she ran very close to Indian Blessing in the Grade 2 Silverbulletday Stakes - so there is some talent here and a step forward is possible.
I think this race will come down to whether Maren’s Meadow can get to a clear lead and hang on, or whether Shes All Eltish and Bsharpsonatawill be able to catch her in the stretch. I’d expect the latter rather than the former, although the odds might be sweet enough on Maren’s Meadow to make a saver bet. Shes All Eltish is the horse I expect to prevail on Friday if all goes well. I’d play Bsharpsonata over her, but am a bit worried about the 2 weeks of rest since the Oaks. That race was in the slop and even though she apparently came back well, I’m a little hesitant to take her at 9/5. I think you’ve got to use Highest Class underneathth if you’re playing the trifecta. Take a good look at Sweet Vendetta and Seattle Smooth in the post parade as well, for they could be players in the exotics when all is said and done.
Source: http://www.pimlico.com/NewsEvents/FeatureStories/Details/Baltimore051308BESA.htm
another horse that may get overlooked hear is maren’s meadow. she won the grade 3 bourbontte oaks turfway park in her most recent race. it remains to be seen if she can transfer that from the polytrack to the dirt, but she looks like one that could be on the gas early helping to set the race