Black-Eyed Susan

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

A well-matched field of 10 will go postward in the Friday feature at Pimlico,

the $150,000 Black-Eyed Susan S. (G2). We could go a number of ways in here and

finally landed on the Tim Ritchey-trained BON JOVI GIRL (Malibu Moon). The dark

bay filly has been a model of consistency throughout her career but has flashed

brilliance on more than one occasion, which includes a 9 3/4-length win in the

Fairway Fillies S.

as a juvenile. We won't frown upon her loss to Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro)

last out, and her bullet work in advance of this gives the impression that

she'll run big. Jose Caraballo will be stalking early aboard Bon Jovi Girl before driving home in the

lane.

The way PAYTON D'ORO (Medaglia d'Oro) won the Instant Racing S. last out was

super impressive from a visual standpoint and since we've always been high on

the improving lass, we give her a big shot to top this field for trainer Larry

Jones. The late-developing filly lost her first four races, all in sprints, but

moved up considerably when stretching out, winning three in succession by a

combined 9 3/4 lengths. Regular rider Terry Thompson keeps the mount.

Florida Oaks (G3) star DON'T FORGET GIL (Kafwain) was a decent second in the

Comely S. (G2) last out for Mark Hennig in what could turn out to be a perfect

prep for this affair. The consistent dark bay has never been worse than third in

her seven-race career and is proven at a route of ground, so she seems like a

major player under Rajiv Maragh in hopes of being the second straight New

York-bred to win this race.

We've always liked dual stakes queen RENDA (Medaglia d'Oro), and the talented filly

has received a freshener for this test. Conditioned by Juan

Arias, the Kentucky-bred was a closing second in the Forward Gal S. (G2) two

prior, and a repeat of that would give her a fighting chance on this day. We're

slightly concerned about the nine-furlong distance for the filly, but her talent could

carry her home beneath Sebastian Madrid.

CASANOVA MOVE (Langfuhr) boasts just one win but has run well against top

company for trainer Jimmy Jerkens. The multiple Grade 2 runner-up has

excellent tactical speed and stays on well, but her lack of wins is a concern. We'll use her in the exotics only.

Kentucky Oaks (G1) runner-up STONE LEGACY (Birdstone) is a proven route

performer for D. Wayne Lukas, and her career was transformed when she moved to the

dirt. The one-time winner is in good form and can't be discounted for a minor

award. STAGE TRICK (Distorted Humor) is bred to excel at this trip and comes off a

nice effort, but the Alan Goldberg-trained chestnut will need a career showing

to challenge this group. COMBINATE (Volponi) was second at Penn National last time, which won't get it

done here.

Ashland S. (G1) upsetter HOOH WHY (Could Hopping) has done the majority of

her damage on synthetic ovals, but it would be hard to dismiss a Grade 1 winner

in this spot. However, her connections have announced their intentions to

scratch her. Grade 1-placed Sunland shipper ORO BLANCO (Hold for Gold) is an

early scratch from the field.