The upcoming 101st edition of the George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is shaping up to be one of the most compelling races of the season. Scheduled for May 16 at Pimlico Race Course, this historic Grade 2 event for 3-year-old fillies over 1 1/8 miles has drawn an impressive list of 28 nominees. It serves as a key fixture on a blockbuster day featuring six stakes races, including three graded contests, offering a combined $1.05 million in prize money. This action-packed Friday card sets the stage for the Preakness Stakes the following day, adding to the anticipation.
Among the likely contenders are fillies who recently competed in the Kentucky Oaks, bringing both form and high-level experience. Tenma, a standout for Baoma Corp and trained by Bob Baffert, was prominent early in the Oaks before finishing fourth. Her resume includes multiple graded wins, and she remains a force in the division. Quietside, representing Shortleaf Stable, also exits the Oaks, where she didn’t produce her best but has otherwise been incredibly consistent throughout her career, having never finished worse than third until that race.
Adding intrigue is Complexity Jane, who earned her way into the Black-Eyed Susan with a gutsy victory in the Weber City Miss Stakes. Under the care of Brittany Russell, she has shown both speed and versatility in her short career. Her stablemate, Reply, was runner-up in that same race and is also under consideration. The nominations list also features a strong lineup of fillies with stakes victories and solid resumes, such as Bernieandtherose, Liam in the Dust, and Paris Lily, the latter of whom recently defeated Liam in the Dust in a Keeneland allowance.
Beyond the feature race, Black-Eyed Susan Day will include the prestigious Pimlico Special, which has 28 nominations this year. The 1 3/16-mile test has attracted proven horses like Pyrenees, who captured last year’s edition and later finished second in two Grade 1 events. Other notable entries include Disarm, First Mission, and Red Route One, all of whom bring top-level credentials.
The card also includes the Miss Preakness Stakes, a six-furlong sprint for sophomore fillies that has drawn 48 nominees. Among them is Vodka With a Twist, a seasoned runner with multiple graded placings, who continues to hold her own against top competition. The Allaire du Pont Distaff, another highlight, drew 36 potential runners, led by Candied, a multiple Grade 1-placed millionaire who has been consistently competitive against elite company.
On the turf side, the $100,000 Hilltop Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at one mile has attracted international and domestic talent alike, including Sigh No More, an Irish Group winner. Rounding out the day is The Very One Stakes, a five-furlong sprint on the grass for older fillies and mares, featuring a full roster of stakes-tested veterans, including Toupie and Youalmosthadme.
Final entries and post positions for all of Black-Eyed Susan Day’s stakes races will be finalized on Sunday, May 11, promising a thrilling buildup to one of the sport’s most celebrated weekends.
