Black-Eyed Susan Stakes 2013: Breaking Down Top Contenders in Friday's Race

The 89th running of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes will highlight Friday's action at Pimlico before the 2013 Preakness Stakes on Saturday.

There are several prime candidates to win the nine-furlong race, including a horse with an impressive pedigree coming off a Grade 1 win in April.

Here's a look at the favorites for the 2013 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (odds via the Buffalo News).

Maracuya

Odds: 8-1

Post Position: 6

Maracuya won the first two starts of her career in February and March this year but hasn't raced since. She's also taking a major step up at the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan.

The filly has been impressive early in her career, promptly winning her maiden and allowance. She won by one-and-one-fourth lengths in March, despite starting on the rail.

Her pedigree also bears mentioning. She is the daughter of Big Brown, the 1998 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes champion. 

And don't forget the horse's trainer/jockey combination. Ralph E. Nicks and John Velazquez are well respected in the world of horse racing.

Fiftyshadesofhay

Odds: 5-1

Post Position: 3

Fiftyshadesofhay has placed in three of four races this year, including a victory at the Grade 3 Santa Ysabel Stakes in January. 

But that's not the main reason the filly could do damage at Pimlico. She's done impressive work since finishing third at the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks in April, posting the best time among 27 horses in her five-furlong workout on May 10 at Churchill Downs (according to Bloodhorse.com).

She will also wear blinders for the first time in her career, which I believe will pay dividends.

What's more, the Bob Baffert-trained horse will have Joel Rosario as her jockey, the same man who rode Orb to victory at the Kentucky Derby.

Emollient

Odds: 9-5

Post Position: 7

Emollient posted an allowance win to start off the 2013 campaign but got run over at the Grade 2 Gulfstream Oaks in March.

Then Emollient roared back at Keeneland, winning the Grade 1 Central Bank Ashland Stakes on April 6. She will be keeping jockey Mike Smith after that ride, which figures to keep her run consistent.

Emollient also placed second at the Grade 2 Demoiselle Stakes in November 2012. This horse has the experience to win at Pimlico.

Throw in the filly's pedigree (daughter of 2003 Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker) and a strong workout at Belmont (her half-mile time was the fastest of 96 horses, via Daily Racing Form), and you have the favorite of the 2013 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes.