Full Breakdown
My Miss Mo Wins Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Laurel Park
5/16/2026, 6:26:20 AM
Race Overview
On May 15 2026, My Miss Mo captured the 102nd Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Laurel Park, Maryland. The Grade-2, 1 1/8 -mile race for three-year-old fillies was won by the 5-2 favorite, who held off Jumping the Gun by 1 ¾ lengths in 1:52.15. A. P.’s Girl finished third.
Background & Context
The Black-Eyed Susan moved from Pimlico to Laurel while Pimlico is rebuilt. Ladies’ Day highlighted Maryland’s state flower and cuisine. The card opened with the fatal cardiac collapse of colt Hit Zero, prompting a commission statement.
Key Figures & Groups
My Miss Mo, a daughter of Uncle Mo, is owned by Averill Racing, Mathis Stable and Tristan de Meric, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione. Rival Jumping the Gun was trained by Andrew Simoff and ridden by Luis Saez. Maryland Racing Commission issued the safety notice; 1/ST’s Tiffani Steer promoted Ladies’ Day.
Data & Statistics
Nine fillies ran, with Haute Diva scratched. Odds: My Miss Mo 5-2, Jumping the Gun 6-1, A.P.’s Girl 5-1. My Miss Mo earned $7.00-$4.40-$3.20; exacta (10-7) $23.60–$24.00, tri-fecta $90, super-fecta $441–$442. Career earnings $328,030.
Why It Matters
The win gave trainer Joseph a rare double on a single card and showed his skill with both sprinters and route runners. Laurel’s successful hosting demonstrates its readiness while Pimlico is rebuilt. Hit Zero’s death revived calls for stronger safety protocols.
Official Statements & Responses
Joseph said scratching My Miss Mo from the Kentucky Oaks was ‘the right decision’ and that the Black-Eyed Susan ‘was a better spot for her.’ Gaffalione praised her ‘experience, maturity and confidence.’ Saez called Jumping the Gun ‘second best today.’ Maryland Racing Commission labeled Hit Zero’s collapse an ‘apparent cardiac event’ and pledged a full review. Steer described the day as a ‘celebration of women and fillies.’
Criticism & Opposition
Veterinary groups said Hit Zero’s death showed insufficient communication between veterinarians and trainers. Joseph echoed the call for broader dialogue to protect horses without unnecessarily sidelining them.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Exacta payouts are listed as $24 in one source and $23.60 in another; super-fecta totals differ by $1. No official clarification has been issued.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was a better spot for her.” — Saffie Joseph Jr., trainer
- “I thought we were going to run on by, but the winner still had horse,” — Luis Saez, jockey of Jumping the Gun
- “It's just a combination of things,” — Tyler Gaffalione, jockey
- “The Maryland Racing Commission confirms that Hit Zero, trained by Brittany Russell and owned by ItsTheJHo, LLC, and Evan Trommer, died of an apparent cardiac event on Friday, May 15, 2026, following Race 1 at Laurel Park,” — Maryland Racing Commission
What's Next
Joseph plans to aim My Miss Mo at the Delaware Oaks in July. Simoff targets Jumping the Gun for the same race. The Preakness Stakes will follow on Saturday at Laurel.
