A determined performance unfolded at Laurel Park as My Miss Mo produced a career-defining effort to claim the $300,000 George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan (G2), edging clear in the closing strides after a sustained stretch battle in Saturday’s feature for sophomore fillies.
Black-Eyed Susan Stakes 2026 result
The 102nd running of the 1 1/8-mile contest once again delivered a compelling blend of emerging talent and late drama, serving as a major highlight on a 14-race programme that featured multiple stakes events ahead of the Preakness Stakes weekend atmosphere.
My Miss Mo, representing Averill Racing, Mathis Stable, and Tristan De Meric, arrived in strong form after consecutive graded-placing efforts and finally converted promise into a breakthrough victory. Under a confident ride from Tyler Gaffalione, the filly travelled prominently throughout and responded gamely when challenged late by Jumping the Gun to secure a 1¾-length success in a time of 1:52.24 on a fast track.
Breaking from the outside stall, My Miss Mo settled into a forward position early as Savor It set the initial tempo. The early fractions were honest, with the field well strung out into the backstretch, where My Miss Mo began to edge closer while travelling comfortably in the clear.
Turning for home, the leader began to weaken under pressure, setting the stage for a sustained duel between My Miss Mo and the fast-finishing Jumping the Gun. For a brief moment inside the final furlong, the challenger loomed threateningly on the outside, but My Miss Mo found another gear and dug deep to regain momentum and assert herself decisively to the line.
A length back in third was A.P.’s Girl, who ran on steadily without threatening the top two, while Majestic Lucia secured fourth after a one-paced but honest effort. The remainder of the field was headed by Miss Fulton Gal, followed by Holly’s Holiday, Braken Poppa, Ivy Girl, and Savor It, who had led early before fading. Haute Diva was withdrawn before the start.
The victory marked a significant step forward for My Miss Mo, who had already shown graded consistency earlier in the season with strong placed finishes in the Davona Dale and Gulfstream Park Oaks. Connections had opted for patience and progression, and that decision was vindicated with a polished performance stepping beyond Florida for the first time.
The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes 2026 result underlined her continued upward trajectory and confirmed her ability to handle the demands of classic-distance racing against elite opposition.
Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. praised the filly’s determination and development, highlighting her adaptability over longer trips and her willingness to respond under pressure. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione echoed that sentiment, noting how smoothly she travelled before producing a decisive response when asked in the final stages.
Runner-up Jumping the Gun also earned credit for a bold outside challenge, briefly appearing poised to strike before being edged out late. Trainer Andrew Simoff indicated that the effort would likely point toward a return engagement at Delaware, while jockey Luis Saez felt his mount delivered a strong and well-judged run.
A.P.’s Girl, finishing third, also shaped with promise, with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. describing a smooth trip and a solid effort that was only eclipsed in the final furlong as the leaders quickened away.
The Black-Eyed Susan, first run in 1919 and steeped in history, once again delivered a reminder of its significance as a proving ground for elite three-year-old fillies, with past winners going on to achieve top-level honours across generations.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to racebuzz