Pimlico: In Lingerie heads Pletcher-trained 1-2 in Black-Eyed Susan Stakes

BALTIMORE – Late in the stretch run of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, the only possible threat to Todd was Todd.

In Lingerie had overcome a troubled start, an uncomfortable opening quarter-mile, and a wide trip to take over from favored Mamma Kimbo after turning for home in the Friday co-feature on the Preakness eve program at Pimlico, and the only looming menace was her Todd Pletcher-trained stablemate, Displosablepleasure. But In Lingerie, with John Velazquez up, continued resolutely to post a 1 1/4-length triumph in the 88th running of the Grade 2, $300,000 Black-Eyed Susan.

“She had kind of a stumbling start leaving there, and then she was kind of jumping up and down when they went past us the first time,” Pletcher said. “It was a really big effort.”

In Lingerie, owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Gary Barber, returned $9.80 as the third choice after finishing the 1 1/8-mile distance in 1:52.07 over a fast track. The Kentucky-bred daughter of Empire Maker now has won 3 of 4 career starts, having won a maiden race and the Grade 3 Bourbonette Oaks, both at Turfway Park.[bc_video_id:252249:]

Mamma Kimbo, the even-money favorite, took command as expected in the Black-Eyed Susan, opening a clear lead almost immediately and holding it to the half-mile pole, where Welcome Guest, the 5-2 second choice, was first to press. That bid quickly fizzled as several more fillies came running, most notably In Lingerie with a steady outside bid launched leaving the backstretch.

Disposablepleasure, a 9-1 shot ridden by Javier Castellano for Glencrest Farm, got a good inside trip before angling out when appearing to briefly threaten her stablemate before finishing another 1 3/4 lengths before Wildcat’s Smile in the field of nine 3-year-old fillies. Mamma Kimbo was another 4 1/2 lengths back in fourth and was followed by Glinda the Good, Welcome Guest, Zucchini Flower, Plum, and Oaks Lily.

“I just wanted to get good position into the first turn, and we did,” Velazquez said. “After that, it was pretty easy for us.”

Pletcher had considered In Lingerie for the May 4 Kentucky Oaks before deciding that the filly’s inexperience made her a better fit for the Black-Eyed Susan. The victory was the trainer’s third in the Pimlico filly classic, following Spun Sugar (2005) and Panty Raid (2007).

The $2 all-Pletcher exacta (7-2) paid $61.80, the $1 trifecta (7-2-8) returned $211.90, and the dime superfecta (7-2-8-4) was worth $60.12.