Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (GATO GUAPO) (4-1) - A multiple stakes winner out of town, this yo gelding ships from Sunland Park in New Mexico where he missed by just under a length in a $75K stakes at this distance March 15. In the barn of the leading trainer here (Bob Diodoro), I give this veteran a small edge.
2nd pick: #5 (Pirate's Punch) (8-5) - The morning line and probable heavy favorite, he's fast from the gate, is in fantastic form, and his task was made easier when the other main speed, #7 'Lenstar,' was a late scratch. An obvious strong win candidate at a short price.
3rd pick: #3 (C Z Rocket) (10-1) - He was beaten by four lengths here against a very strong field racing just below this level Feb. 9. 6yo was Gelded March 25 and is working fast for this attempt. He's a good fit with his best and will be a big price.
4th pick: #8 (Kurilov) (9-2) - This interesting runner was a stakes type when he first came from Chile late in 2017. With Chad Brown at that time, he's now with Brad Cox and enters off of three straight big efforts facing lesser types. He's won two in a row at the meet and must be left in the mix.