Pimlico, 17 May 2008

Under a heads-up, ground-saving ride by jockey Channing Hill Sweet Vendetta (Stephen Got Even - Sand Pirate, by Desert Wine) rallied to win the Grade Two Black-Eyed Susan Stakes over the muddy going at Pimlico Race Course.

Sent off at odds of 7-1 in the field of eight three-year-old fillies, Sweet Vendetta won her third race in seven starts. Trained by Gary Contessa, the bay filly was relentless in the drive as she caught She’s All Eltish nearing the finish line, winning by 1½ lengths. Seattle Smooth finished third.

Sweet Vendetta completed the nine furlongs in 1:49.60. The New York-bred daughter of Stephen Got Even won the Andover Way Stakes at Aqueduct in her previous start.

Winning trainer Gary Contessa said after the race: “I loved the mile and an eighth for her. She was training up a storm. I know she’s a natural at this distance. She’s almost 17 hands and has that big loping stride. I thought this was a good fit here. When the heavens opened up last night that added more icing to the cake. We know she loves the mud, as well. This is what we’d envisioned. This race, and maybe on to the Alabama.”