Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (SEKANI) (3-1) - She was a visually impressive maiden winner here at this distance Feb. 17. It was her first since running 2nd when debuting at Ellis Park facing 'open' company Aug. 17 and her first facing state-breds. The grey filly tired to finish 4th in her follow-up March 6, a contest where she had some early traffic issues. Training fast, she draws well today, and I like her chances.
2nd pick: #6 (Proud Victoria) (5-2) - The morning-line favorite, she won her first two starts before tiring in her latest facing older state-bred stakes competition Feb. 22. Freshened up since, she's working fine. and is an obvious contender.
3rd pick: #2 (The Mary Rose) (9-2) - She is from the same barn (Bill VanMeter) as 'Sekani,' and the pair race uncoupled. She's been very sharp in two of three sprints at this meet. And in her only subpar effort, she broke slowly. Speed/stalker must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #5 (Choctaw Charlie) (6-1) - Filly enters a maiden, but has been beaten by a 'neck' and a 'head' in her two attempts. Stalker has been bet in both, and Joel Rosario, who is in town for tomorrow's pair of stakes, picks up the mount.