Favored Gun Song flexes dominance in Black-Eyed Susan triumph

Jockey John Velazquez and favorite Gun Song stalked a pace-setting long shot through leisurely early fractions, drew even with her straightening for home and pulled away for an impressive victory Friday in the 1 1/8-mile Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

Seven other 3-year-old fillies chased Jeanne Marie through a half-mile in :49.47, with 2-1 top choice Gun Song tracking intently.

When it was time to push the button, Velazquez let his filly, a daughter of Gun Runner, show her class and the winner finished in 1:51.39 and prevailed by 3 1/4 lengths. The victory was just the second time the Black-Eyed Susan favorite had won since 2006.

Velazquez won the Black-Eyed Susan for the first time since 2012. It was his record-breaking fifth win in the event.

Gun Song, a Kentucky-bred trained by Mark Hennig, paid $6.60, $3.80 and $2.80.

Second choice Corposo, appropriately, ran second, returning $4 and $3.20, with Callanotherplay third ($4.40 to show).

The $2 exacta, Gun Song with Corposo, returned $21.40.

The race is annually held one day before the Preakness Stakes, the second of three Triple Crown races.

-Field Level Media