BALTIMORE — Taxed raced to an upset victory in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes on Friday, closing strong for a convincing win over Hoosier Philly and unbeaten favorite Faiza.
Claimed by owner Richard Bahde last year for $50,000, Taxed won this $300,000 race at Pimlico by 3 3/4 lengths over Hoosier Philly. Faiza settled for third for trainer Bob Baffert, who makes his return to Triple Crown racing at Saturday’s Preakness after missing time while suspended.
Faiza was a 3-5 favorite after winning her first five races, all in California. At the top of the stretch, Faiza was lurking just behind Hoosier Philly, who led much of the way. Turned out they both should have been worried about Taxed, and the 11-1 underdog with Rafael Bejarano aboard surged to the lead on the outside. She finished the 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-old fillies in 1 minute, 49.45 seconds.
Taxed paid $24, $8.80 and $4. Hoosier Philly paid $7.80 and $4.20, and a $2 show bet on Faiza returned just $2.20.
This was the first victory for Taxed since November, when she won her first start after being claimed. She did finish second in a couple significant races at Oakland Park – the Martha Washington in January and the Fantasy in April.
Interstatedaydream, last year’s Black-Eyed Susan winner, raced at Pimlico again Friday and won the Allaire du Pont Distaff.