The 2026 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes is shaping up to be a thrilling showcase for 3-year-old fillies, and the buzz is all about Jumping the Gun. The red-hot Gun Runner daughter enters Friday's Grade 2 race at Laurel Park as the 3-1 morning-line favorite, boasting an impressive record of three wins, two seconds, and one third in six career starts. But don't let those stats fool you—she's yet to prove herself in graded stakes company, finishing second in her only such test. Post time is set for 6:14 p.m. ET.
The 10-horse field is packed with talent, and the competition is fierce. Braken Poppa, My Miss Mo, and A.P.'s Girl are all sitting at 7-2, 7-2, and 5-1, respectively, while Holly's Holiday rounds out the top five at 6-1. Further down the odds board, Majestic Lucia lurks at 12-1, with Ivy Girl and Haute Diva both at 15-1. It's a wide-open race that promises plenty of action for bettors and fans alike.
For those looking to cash in on this exciting event, SportsLine's Gene Menez is the go-to expert. A former Sports Illustrated reporter and editor, Menez has a proven track record of hitting big payouts. In 2015, he correctly predicted the Kentucky Derby superfecta (American Pharoah, Firing Line, Dortmund, and Frosted) for a $1,268.20 return on a $2 bet. He followed that up in 2017 by hitting the Pick 4 for nearly $6,900, and in 2024, he nailed 18-1 longshot Mystik Dan in the Derby. Last year, he hammered the exacta and trifecta for a $1,045 payout. Simply put, Menez knows his horses.
One of Menez's boldest predictions for the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes? He's fading the favorite, Jumping the Gun, despite her early success. While she won her first three races, Menez sees vulnerabilities that could open the door for a surprise contender. For his full picks, including which horses to back and which to avoid, head to SportsLine. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or new to the sport, these insights could be your ticket to a winning day at the races.
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