Brittany Russell is poised to make a strong impression at this year’s Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, continuing a rapid career ascent that has already placed her among the top trainers in Maryland. At just 35, Russell has already etched her name in the state’s racing history books with an unmatched string of accomplishments, including becoming the only female trainer to lead the standings more than once, now with nine meet titles to her name. Her latest title was earned earlier this month at Laurel Park, highlighting her consistent presence at the forefront of Mid-Atlantic racing.
This Friday, Russell will be represented by Reply, a promising 3-year-old filly owned by Repole Stable, in the 101st edition of the $300,000 Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. Scheduled for May 16 at Pimlico Race Course, the nine-furlong contest is a central feature of a 14-race lineup offering a total of $1.05 million in purses. With six stakes races on the card — half of them graded — the day sets the stage for the prestigious 150th running of the Preakness Stakes the following afternoon.
Among the highlights of Friday’s undercard are the $250,000 Pimlico Special (G3) for older horses, and the $150,000 Miss Preakness (G3) sprint for sophomore fillies. The remaining stakes include the Allaire du Pont Distaff, the Hilltop Stakes on turf, and The Very One, a five-furlong turf dash. The day’s first race begins at 11:30 a.m. ET, with the Black-Eyed Susan set to go off as Race 13 at 5:44 p.m. ET.
For Russell, this race carries personal and professional significance. Only one female trainer has ever captured the Black-Eyed Susan, a feat accomplished in 1997. Russell, who entered a longshot in last year’s edition, is hoping for a far more competitive showing this time with Reply. The filly, who didn’t race as a juvenile, won impressively on debut and showed resilience in her follow-up effort, rallying from the back of the pack to finish second in the Weber City Miss at Laurel.
Reply’s style differs from her stablemate Complexity Jane, who won the Weber City Miss but will run in the Hilltop instead. Unlike her fleet-footed peer, Reply is a grinding type with a long stride, lacking early speed but possessing plenty of stamina and determination. She will benefit from a strong early pace and has shown steady improvement in her limited career. Irad Ortiz Jr. will be in the irons, adding further intrigue to her chances.
Also emerging from the Weber City Miss is Moon Cache, who finished a close third despite encountering significant trouble at both the start and the finish. Trainer Mike Gorham sees this longer distance as a good fit, given her gritty performance and prior win — albeit one that ended in disqualification — at Laurel.
Other notable contenders include Runnin N Gunnin, who comes in off a solid third in the Grade 2 Fantasy at Oaklawn Park for trainer Steve Asmussen. The Gun Runner filly already has a stakes win to her credit and enters with strong credentials.
Liam in the Dust, another filly with graded stakes experience, has shown consistency and tenacity throughout her campaign. Her recent efforts at Keeneland and past placings in major stakes suggest she’ll be competitive over the distance. Paris Lily, who narrowly defeated Liam in the Dust last out, is another major player. Trainer Brendan Walsh has been encouraged by her recent workouts, and her progression could be peaking at the right time.
Amarth and Princess Aliyah are looking to bounce back after mixed recent performances. Amarth’s fifth in the Ashland came after a runner-up effort behind a Kentucky Oaks runner-up, and her connections believe she can thrive in this spot. Princess Aliyah, trained by the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, returns quickly from a sprint attempt on Kentucky Oaks day. Her prior two-turn victory suggests she may be better suited to Friday’s longer trip.
Also in the mix is Margie’s Intention, who has transitioned to Brad Cox’s stable and makes the jump into graded company following some competitive Louisiana-bred efforts. Her new trainer is optimistic that she has the right profile to handle the rise in class.
Rounding out the field is Kinzie Queen, who rebounded nicely last time out after a disappointing showing in the Fantasy. With a recent win under her belt and sharp form, she enters Pimlico in good shape.
First run over a century ago under a different name, the Black-Eyed Susan has grown into one of the premier races for 3-year-old fillies. Its legacy includes some of the greatest names in the sport, many of whom went on to earn championship honors or enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. With an exciting mix of up-and-comers and proven stakes performers, the 2025 edition promises to continue that rich tradition — and could serve as another historic chapter in Brittany Russell’s already impressive career.
