Miss Marissa continues improvement in Pimlico's Black-Eyed Susan

Miss Marissa had only one win in her first nine starts to begin her career, but she has become a new horse since stretching out to two-turns. The 3-year-old daughter of He's Had Enough notched her third victory in a row in Saturday's Grade 2, $250,000 Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico, defeating heavily favored Bonny South.

Mizzen Beau set a sharp opening half-mile in :46.61 with Miss Marissa and jockey Daniel Centeno tracking in second. Bonny South was content to sit in last for much of the race.

Miss Marissa took command turning for home and eventually put away the stubborn Mizzen Beau while holding Hopeful Growth at bay. Just when it seemed like Miss Marissa was home free, Bonny South looked as if she was shot out of a cannon and started rolling down the stretch.

The wire came up just in time for Miss Marissa to pick up her first stakes win. Bonny South ended up second, with Hopeful Growth rounding out the trifecta.

The James Ryerson-trained filly paid $22.20 to win and completed the 1 1/8-mile distance in a final time of 1:48.08.

"Last year I thought she wanted two turns and she made a liar out of me, Ryerson said from the winner's circle after the race. "Ever since we got a two-turn race at Monmouth this year, she moved forward."

Ryerson seems content to skip the Breeders' Cup Distaff with his improving filly and will keep her in her own age group for her next start.

"I think there's a 3-year-old race at Aqueduct, Ryerson said. "It is up to the owner. I'm on the bus, but I don't drive the bus."