What is the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes?
The George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is a Grade II Thoroughbred race held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Contested at 1⅛ miles on the dirt for 3-year-old fillies, it is the distaff companion to the Preakness Stakes and one of three races informally known as the Filly Triple Crown, alongside the Kentucky Oaks and the Acorn Stakes. Inaugurated in 1919 as the Pimlico Oaks, the race was renamed in 1952 to honor the black-eyed Susan, Maryland's state flower. It received graded stakes status in 1973 and has been Grade II since 1976. The race was renamed again in 2020 to honor George E. Mitchell, a beloved community leader in Baltimore's Park Heights neighborhood. Twenty-three fillies that won the Black-Eyed Susan went on to be named champions, including Hall of Famers Davona Dale, Gallorette, Real Delight, Royal Delta, Serena's Song, Silverbulletday, and Twilight Tear.
When is the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes in 2027?
The 2027 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is scheduled for Friday, May 15 at Laurel Park — a one-time venue change while its traditional home, Pimlico Race Course, undergoes a $400 million renovation. The 102nd running of the 1⅛-mile fixture for 3-year-old fillies headlines a 14-race program worth $1 million in purses, serving as the traditional prelude to Saturday's 151st Preakness Stakes (G1). The race carries a purse of $300,000 and draws the top sophomore fillies in North America targeting the summer championship circuit.
Black-Eyed Susan Stakes History & Notable Winners
The Black-Eyed Susan has a rich tradition of producing surprise results, with favorites rarely prevailing in recent editions. Margie's Intention overcame a 78-minute storm delay and a sloppy, sealed track to grind out a three-quarter-length victory in 1:52.05 for trainer Brad Cox and jockey Flavien Prat in 2025. Gun Song gave jockey John Velazquez a record fifth Black-Eyed Susan win in 2024, pulling away to a 3¼-length score in 1:51.39 for trainer Mark Hennig. Taxed produced an 11-1 upset in 2023 under Rafael Bejarano, running down the pace in 1:49.45 for trainer Randy Morse. Interstatedaydream gave Cox his first Black-Eyed Susan title in 2022 under Florent Geroux, posting a 1¼-length victory in 1:48.73. Only one favorite has won the Black-Eyed Susan since 2005: Royal Delta in 2011.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Margie's Intention | Flavien Prat | 1:52.05 |
| 2024 | Gun Song | John Velazquez | 1:51.39 |
| 2023 | Taxed | Rafael Bejarano | 1:49.45 |
| 2022 | Interstatedaydream | Florent Geroux | 1:48.73 |
| 2021 | Army Wife | Joel Rosario | 1:49.63 |
Last Updated on 05/11/2026
The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is one of the most historic races in American racing and the marquee event of Black-Eyed Susan Day, the traditional Preakness eve program at Pimlico Race Course each May.
