Improving Weather Forecast Ahead of Preakness Weekend

Patrons arriving May 16 at Pimlico Race Course for the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G3) were greeted with sunny skies Friday morning, a change from earlier in the week when rain soaked the Baltimore area.

There is a 40% chance of rain Friday according to the Weather Channel, with a high of 82 degrees but it's not expected to arrive until after racing or late in the card.

The main track had ample time to dry overnight, and is listed as "fast" and the turf is listed as "good". The track was rated as sloppy during yesterday's first race, with a muddy (sealed) track at the end of the day.

A few Black-Eyed Susan contenders stretched their legs during morning training. As of 11 a.m., no scratches were announced for the $300,000 race for 3-year-old fillies. Nine horses will go to the post.

Today's scratches:

Race 1: No. 2 In the Chase 

Race 3: No. 7 Armando R 

Race 6: No. 4 Noble Jon , No. 13 Stormy Flight 

Race 7: No. 10 St. John's 

Race 8: No. 8 Sudden Switch 

Race 10: No. 9 Long Neck Paula  No. 12 Vodka With a Twist 

Race 11: No. 3 Pleasant Embrace 

Race 12:  No. 7 Pyrenees