The Grade 2, $300,000-dollar Black-Eyed Susan is Friday at Laurel Park.
There may not be a Triple Crown for 3-year-old fillies this year, but at least the race will provide an opportunity for those fillies who missed the Kentucky Oaks to pick up Grade 2 Stakes recognition.
Here is a brief look at the field for the 2026 edition of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes:
1. MISS FULTON [ML 30-1] Jockey: John Velazquez. Trainer: Michael Gorham. She has plenty of experience on the track, with two wins and two 2nds in six starts at Laurel. But has yet to run in a Graded Stakes and seems to lack the class and speed figures. Over her head? We shall see.
2. IVY GIRL [ML 15-1] Jockey: Victor Carrasco. Trainer: Amelia Green. Won the Weber City Miss Stakes, a prep race on this track for the Black-Eyed Susan. Seems to be getting better but it’s difficult to get past her 21 ½-length loss in her only Graded Stakes effort.
3. HOLLY’S HOLIDAY [ML 6-1] Jockey: Flavien Prat. Trainer: Ken McPeek. Has taken some nice steps forward lately. Comes in off of a Stakes win at Oaklawn Park and has the tactical running style that should make her a threat.
4. SAVOR IT [ML 30-1] Jockey: Mychel Sanchez. Trainer: Uriah St. Lewis. Won an Allowance-optional claimer at Parx last out but was over-matched in her two attempts in Stakes company.
5. BRAKEN POPPA [ML 7-2] Jockey: Jose Ortiz. Trainer: Steve Asmussen. Has won four in a row, including two Stakes with solid times against Louisiana-Breds at Fair Grounds. A big class test here.
6. HAUTE DIVA [ML 15-1] Jockey: Keith Assmussen. Trainer: Patrick Biancone. A non-factor in her last two starts- both Grade 2 Stakes. A fast pace would help her cause, but there is not a lot of speed in the race.
7. JUMPING THE GUN [ML 3-1] Jockey: Luis Saez. Trainer: Andrew Simoff. Has never been out of the money. Though her first 3rd-place finish came in her last outing- the Weber City Miss Stakes. That race was her first start in four months, so she seems capable of taking a step forward here, as do most in a second start off a lay-off.
8. MAJESTIC LUCIA [ML 12-1] Jockey: Junior Alvarado. Trainer: Victor Barboza Jr. Has won her last two starts since moving into the Barboza barn. She could be in play if she can avoid a wide trip.
9. A.P.’S GIRL [ML 5-1] Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Trainer: Peter Eurton. Ran a game 2nd in the Weber City Miss Stakes and gets Irad in the saddle. That’s a major upgrade.
10. MY MISS MO [ML 7-2] Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione. Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr. Scratched out of the Kentucky Oaks to run here. Ran 2nd in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Oaks and Davona Dale Stakes both at Gulfstream Park. If she can run back to those efforts, she’s a major player here.
The Black-Eyed Susan is listed as race 13 on a massive card of 14 with a scheduled Post Time of 5:20.
Best of luck however you play it.
On Friday the Daily Racing Blog will preview the Preakness. So be sure to stop back.
