Black-Eyed Susan attracts competitive field of eight

A competitive field of eight three-year-old fillies will line up for Friday's

$250,000 Black-Eyed Susan S. (G2), one of five stakes races on the Pimlico

Special H. (G1) program. The Black-Eyed Susan, which is named for the Maryland

state flower, was first run in 1919.

RED CHERRIES SPIN (With Approval), who battled for the lead in the upper

stretch before diminishing to sixth in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), could be among

the favorites for the 1 1/8-mile test. The gray

filly was placed fifth in the Kentucky Oaks via disqualification and will be

making her second start for trainer Bernard Flint since being claimed for

$75,000 at Keeneland.

SHE'S AN ELEVEN (In Excess [Ire]), who cruised to a 9 1/4-length score in the

restricted Melair S. on April 30 at Hollywood Park, and Busher S. queen REGAL

ENGAGEMENT (Cat Thief), most recently a game second in the Comely S. (G2) at

Aqueduct, are among the top contenders.

The field for the Black-Eyed Susan, from the rail out, with jockeys and

weights, is CRYSTAL CURRENT (A.P. Indy), Alex Solis, 116; Regal Engagement,

Ramon Dominguez, 116; GASIA (Silver Deputy), Larry Melancon, 120; BAGHDARIA

(Royal Academy), Rafael Bejarano, 122; She's an Eleven, Garrett Gomez, 122;

SMART N PRETTY (Elusive Quality), Richard Migliore, 116; Red Cherries Spin, no

rider, 116; and SARATOGA DRIVE (Siphon [Brz]), Javier Castellano, 116.

POOL LAND (Silver Deputy) is the likely favorite for the $200,000

Allaire

duPont Breeders' Cup Distaff S. (G3). The Todd Pletcher-trained filly has won

four of five career starts and most recently rolled to a 12-length victory in

the Doubledogdare S. at Keeneland. Top challengers include Gazelle S. (G1)

heroine IN THE GOLD (Golden Missile), who finished a distant fourth in the

Doubledogdare, and Grade 2 winner JOSH'S MADELYN (Quiet American), who exits a

runner-up effort to Dubai Escapade (Awesome Again) in the Madison S. (G2) at

Keeneland.

CELESTIAL LEGEND (City Zip), who won her first six starts before finishing

second in the Cicada S. (G3) and a

disappointing fifth of five as the 1-2 favorite in the Peach Blossom S. at Delaware Park

last out, will seek a measure of redemption in the $125,000

Miss Preakness S.

(G3). The six-furlong event for sophomore fillies also includes Dixie Belle S.

winner WILDCAT BETTIE B (Meadowlake), multiple stakes winner PRESS CAMP (Comic

Strip), and the Pletcher-trained G CITY GAL (Elusive Quality).

The Bobby Frankel-trained QUICKFIRE (GB) (Dubai Millennium), who just

missed going about 6 1/2 furlongs on the Santa Anita turf course last out, looms a primary contender in the $75,000

Very One S. The five-furlong

turf sprint also includes GILDED GOLD (Gilded Time) and BRIGHT GOLD (Hold For

Gold), who most recently finished one-two in the Giant's Causeway S. at Keeneland.