The highlight race on the Friday before the Preakness is the $150,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2). A field of eight 3-year-old fillies contested this 1 1/8 mile trip over the main track. Casanova Move, second in both the Davona Dale and Bonnie Miss at Gulfstream Park, was sent off as the 8-5 favorite over 5-2 second choice Payton d'Oro, winner of three straight going in, including the Instant Racing Stakes at Oaklawn last out. 3-1 Don't Forget Gil, winner of the Florida Oaks but second in the Comely in her last start, completed the top three on the board.
Payton d'Oro set a fast early pace under regular rider Terry Thompson through fractions of 24.21, 48.40, and 1:12.57 over the fast track while as many as 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Stage Trick who stalked her in second the whole way. Entering the stretch, Stage Trick tired as the front-running Payton d'Oro opened up a 3 1/2 length lead at the 1/8 pole. Bon Jovi Girl, who sat in fourth early, put in a rally through the stretch but was left with too much ground to make up as Payton d'Oro held her off by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:49.75. It was a long 5 1/4 lengths more to favorite Casanova Move third.
Results chart
Preakness Results - Rachel Alexandra beats the boys
Preakness Undercard Stakes Results - there were 7 more stakes on the card including the Dixie Stakes (G2)
Black-Eyed Susan Undercard - there were 5 more stakes on the card including the Miss Preakness (G3)
