Race Selections for Preakness Stakes and Pimlico Meeting on May 17th

Black-Eyed Susan Delayed Due to Dangerous Lightning at Pimlico

After a more than hour-long delay due to dangerous lightning surrounding the track, the feature G2 Black-Eyed Susan stakes was run at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, May 17. The race was ultimately won by #3 Margie's Intention, with a starting price of $7.00. The delay in the race, which was initially scheduled for an 11:35 AM ET start, undoubtedly affected attendance as the sight of the near-empty grandstand earlier in the day was disheartening.

The absence of a contested Triple Crown may have played a role in diminishing interest in racing this weekend, as many spectators might have stayed home due to the inclement forecast. Nonetheless, let's hope for a massive crowd today as the Preakness takes place.

On Friday, well-known jockeys Irad Ortiz, Jr., Flavien Prat, and Tyler Connor led all riders with two victories each. The competitive races with full fields and generous returns were a treat for fans. Despite continuing inclement weather disrupting outdoor sporting activities across the East Coast, a hot and sunny day is expected at Pimlico on May 17.

With that said, let's delve into Mr. Ed's selections for the races at Pimlico on May 17.

Mr. Ed's Best Bets at Pimlico for Saturday, May 17

Race 1 (10:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m. PT) - $58K Allowance Claiming for 3YOs & Up Going 6 furlongsMr. Ed starts his picks with a Daily Double using #5 Augusta Melody (9-5 odds), ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr., and #7 Exploration (7-2), with Sheldon Russell on board. Both horses are trained by Russell's wife, excellent trainer Brittany.

Race 2 (11:05 a.m. ET/8:05 a.m. PT) - $54K Allowance for fillies and mares, 3YOs & Up Going a Mile on the TurfMr. Ed likes #9 Drop the Hammer (2-1) for Graham Motion stable and Irad Ortiz, Jr., and #11 Betula for young trainer Bethany Baumgardner and HOF jockey Johnny Velazquez.

Race 3 (11:41 a.m. ET/8:41 a.m. PT) - $54K Maiden Special Weight for 3YO-6YOs Going 1 1/16-mileMr. Ed takes a shot on #4 Energize (6-1 morning line) for one of his favorite trainers, Michael Stidham, with Jose Ortiz on board to ride.

Race 4 (12:16 p.m. ET/9:16 a.m. PT) - $150K G3 Maryland Sprint for 3YOs & Up Going 6 furlongsMr. Ed looks for speedy #6 Booth (7-5 morning line) to win for super trainer Steve Asmussen and ridden by his son Erik. Sprinter has won 6 of 10, including the last three with Eric aboard.

Race 6 (1:28 p.m. ET/10:28 a.m. PT) - $128K Skipat Stakes for Fillies and Mares, 3YOs & Up Going Six FurlongsMr. Ed likes three horses in this race: #3 One Magic Philly (9-5 morning line), #5 Zietlos from the Asmussen outfit, and #7 Striker Has Dial, a NY import.

Race 8 (2:48 p.m. ET/11:48 a.m. PT) - $150K Chick Lang Stakes for 3YOs Going 6 furlongsMr. Ed's choice is #8 One Nine Hundred (7-2 morning line) for NY-based trainer Tom Morley and top jockey Flavien Prat.

Race 9 (3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT) - $125K Jim McKay Turf Sprint for 3YOs & Up Going 5 furlongsMr. Ed's longshot of the day is #4 Witty (10-1 morning line) for respected local conditioner Elizabeth Merryman, attracting jockey Flavien Prat to ride the powerful closer.

Races 10-13 (4:11 p.m. ET/1:11 p.m. PT) - $.50 Pick 4- Race 10: #1, #6- Race 11: #3, #5, #6, #7- Race 12: #6, #9, #13- Race 13: #1, #2, #8 ($36)

Race 13 (7:01 p.m. ET/4:01 p.m. PT) - G1 $2million Preakness Stakes for 3YOs Going 1 3/16-milesSince posting his horse profiles earlier this week on VSiN, nothing has happened that would keep Mr. Ed from betting on prohibitive favorite #2 Journalism (8-5 odds) to win the Preakness Stakes. In this race, classy JOURNALISM will likely crush the other eight rivals in the first race, while #1 Goal Oriented (6-1) and #8 Clever Again (5-1) will prevail over the remaining six sophomores in the ensuing race.

PREAKNESS PICK: $10 Exacta Box 2/1,8 ($40)

MISS ME YET? Mr. Ed is taking some time off to celebrate his granddaughter's high school graduation. Mr. Ed will return on May 31-June 1.

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In light of the postponed Black-Eyed Susan stakes due to dangerous weather conditions, it's worth noting that horse-racing enthusiasts might also be interested in other racing events such as the Preakness Stakes. While the Preakness takes place under challenging weather conditions, certain races like the $1 million Preakness Stakes are expected to attract a large crowd. For example, the G1 $2 million Preakness Stakes for 3YOs Going 1 3/16-miles on May 17 will feature well-known contenders like #2 Journalism. In addition to the Preakness Stakes, other notable races include the $125K Jim McKay Turf Sprint for 3YOs & Up Going 5 furlongs, where a longshot to watch is #4 Witty (10-1 morning line).