Quality Black-Eyed Susan day card on tap at Pimlico
The much anticipated Preakness Stakes card will be on Saturday, but Pimlico has a big day on hand Friday, with no less than three graded races.
The Grade 3 Miss Preakness (race 8) is up first, and Todd Pletcher’s Passion is the one to beat. The versatile graded winner handles any footing and looms the one to catch under Johnny V.
The Grade 1 Pimlico Special (race 10) has attracted a decent field of nine, and Student Council should offer value. The Steve Asmussen trainee has been a bit off his game since the trip to Japan late last year. He showed some early interest on the weeds last time, and a return to conventional dirt at today’s longer distance should suit the son of Kingmambo.
Grasshopper failed as the heavy favorite in a graded flat mile affair at Big Sandy last out, but that one-turn event was probably too sharp for him. The ultra-consistent colt appears poised for a big effort, and regular pilot Robby Albarado has plenty of options with the versatile sort.
Sir Whimsey is a playable longshot under Edgar Prado. He has won his last two conventional dirt starts and exits a respectable 3rd on synthetic ground.
A.P. Arrow
has always been a grade three type and will get overbet off a 4th to Curlin in the Dubai World Cup. I’ll try to beat the Pletcher underlay, but the consistent sort is clearly an exotics candidate.
The Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (race 12) also features nine entrants, and She’s All Eltish is my top. Martin Wolfson trainee did not run her race in the Calder Oaks, but she looked great in the Bonnie Miss at this distance, and she can rebound at a hint of a price.
Bsharpsonata was 5th in the Kentucky Oaks two weeks ago, and the win type can make amends today, but do not expect much of a price.
Seattle Smooth is on the upswing for Julio Canani, and she garnered a triple digit rating at Bay Meadows last time. Edgar Prado certainly knows this course and is sitting on a live price player.
Sherine hails from the dangerous Tony Dutrow barn and might get brave if able to sneak away early.
Highest Class will take action but is seemingly up against it based on her sustained running style. A minor award is not out of the question for the possible underlay.
Image: Newscom
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POSTED IN: Handicapping, Horses, Stakes Races
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