Black-Eyed Susan 2025: Ranking the field from first to last

The Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan typically gets lost among the publicity of the Kentucky Derby, Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks and the Preakness Stakes (G1) in the first couple weeks of May. Without a proven star in this year's edition of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, this may be the case once again for the average viewer.

Gamblers however; are likely to have the Black-Eyed Susan circled as one of the best wagering opportunities of the weekend despite the high possibility of rain. The field of nine is a wide-open race that has the potential to offer good value. Below I analyze the entire field for Pimlico's Friday feature and rank each horse in order from first to last.

1st, Amarth, (4-1). This filly defeated Bless the Broken and narrowly lost to Drexel Hill. Those two fillies ran second and third in the Kentucky Oaks, proving that Eddie Kenneally's filly has been keeping good company. A hard race off of a layoff against Drexel Hill may have taken a toll on her as she was not at her best when facing Grade 1 company in the Ashland Stakes in her last start. She looks ready on go on Friday and should be able to work out a perfect trip with Luis Saez aboard on the class drop.

2nd, Reply, (8-1). The daughter of Curlin has raced at Colonial Downs and Laurel Park to begin her career, but the $450,000 purchase has always had big expectations. She was impressive when winning going a route of ground in her debut and followed it up by closing to be second in a race won by a front-runner who walked on the lead. She gets Irad Ortiz Jr., a swifter projected pace and more distance on Friday. This filly is bred to handle an off-track and has the most upside in the field. 

3rd, Margie's Intention, (3-1). Typically a Louisiana-bred facing open company for the first time would be a toss in a spot like this, but this filly has plenty of things to like. She lost her last pair to Blue Fire, who proved she could compete on the highest level with a strong second in Eight Belles (G2) on the Kentucky Oaks undercard. She also now switches to the powerful Brad Cox barn and has never been worse than second in four route tries. Flavien Prat jumps off of the morning-line favorite to ride this honest filly who should be right in the mix.

4th, Princess Aliyah, (15-1). D. Wayne Lukas's filly will appreciate the return to a route after a poor effort sprinting in the Eight Belles. She has not been the most consistent filly in this field, but her best efforts are on par with anyone and she offers a nice price alternative to the top choices. The distance of this race should be no problem and she has the tactical speed to sit a nice trip.

5th, Paris Lily, (8-1). Monitor the forecast before playing this filly. She does not seem to be as good on a fast track. Additionally, her first three races without Lasix would not be competitive in here, but her last two efforts with Lasix do make her a contender. One of those races came on the turf and one came on a sloppy track. With that said, there is the possibility of a sloppy track on Friday. If she is able to make the lead on a wet track, her chances greatly increase even without the benefit of Lasix.

6th, Kinzie Queen, (10-1). Much like Paris Lilly, her best races have come with Lasix, but unlike Paris Lilly, she does not appear to move up over a wet track. She was defeated by Runnin N Gunnin by about 3-lengths in the Fantasy Stakes (G3), but her prior form was stronger than that rival and she is a much bigger price. I can’t fault those who want to take a swing based on her good current form, but I will wait until she proves she can be as good without Lasix.

7th, Runnin N Gunnin, (5-2). The value in this race lies elsewhere in my opinion. This filly could compete, but she does not look any better than many of her counterparts at much bigger odds. Her best career Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form prior to her last race was a 63, which would be the lowest top of any horse in the field. She jumped up to a 76 when running third in the Fantasy Stakes (G3) behind Simply Joking and Quietside, but was defeated almost 10 lengths that day. Someone had the finish third and she is being given too much credit for picking up the pieces.

8th, Liam in the Dust, (6-1). She looked like one of the leaders of this crop after her first two races, but she has not progressed during her 3-year-old season. She had every opportunity to get by Paris Lilly last out and was not able to and has more to worry about than just that filly on Friday. 

9th, Moon Cache, (20-1). Claimed for $40,000 three starts back, this filly would make a nice local story if she won, but she appears to be a bit over her head in this spot. She will press the early pace, but I am not confident she will be able to hang around late.