Red Ruby returns to win Black-Eyed Susan

Associated Press

BALTIMORE

Following an unplanned two-month break from racing, Red Ruby returned with a flourish in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes.

Red Ruby pulled away from Coach Rocks on a sloppy track Friday and cruised to a 43/4-length victory, her third career win in five tries.

The Grade 2, $250,000 race for 3-year-old fillies was run on a cold, rainy afternoon at Pimlico Race Course.

Not long after finishing fourth in the Honeybee Stakes at Oaklawn Park on March 18, Red Ruby got spooked and “had a little accident in the shed row,” according to trainer Kellyn Gorder.

Gorder said Red Ruby ran backward, dragged her hot walker into the middle of the barn, ran into a metal ladder and received 13 stitches.

“We got really, really lucky. They were all superficial,” Gorder said. “But she sat in the stall for 16 days while those things healed.”

With jockey Paco Lopez aboard the gray filly for the first time, Red Ruby charged past Coach Rocks at the top of the stretch.

Coach Rocks led at the outset and remained in front until Lopez made his move — at just the right time.

“I thought Paco would fit this filly to a T,” Gorder said. “And he did.”