Pimlico Undercard Lures Julia Shining, She Feels Pretty

In addition to three graded events May 17 on Black-Eyed Susan Day at Pimlico Race Course, three ungraded stakes worth $100,000 apiece complement the stakes action.

Up first is the Allaire du Pont Distaff, the eighth race at 1 1/8 miles on dirt for older fillies and mares. There, Stonestreet Stables' graded-winning Julia Shining  is likely to start as the favorite after a comeback third April 13 in an allowance optional claiming race at Keeneland in which she failed to sustain her rally. The Todd Pletcher-trained daughter of Curlin   won the 2022 Demoiselle Stakes (G2) a year and a half ago. She is a full sister to champion Malathaat .

The Hilltop Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at a mile on turf follows the Allaire du Pont as the ninth race. It marks the return of grade 1 winner She Feels Pretty , unraced since a wide third as the favorite in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) last fall at Santa Anita Park. The Cherie DeVaux-trained daughter of Karakontie   won the 2023 Natalma Stakes (G1T) and a maiden race earlier for owner Lael Stables.

About an hour later, turf sprinters take the stage in the 24th running of the five-furlong The Very One Stakes, carded as the 11th race. Among numerous returnees is stakes winner All That Magic , a winner of five of seven on turf for trainer Kathleen DeMasi.