Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (PASSED BY PAUL) (5-2) - Competitive in two straight, stalker is dropping back down and shortens up in distance. He tired here facing tougher going a mile Feb. 10 while missing by less that a length at this tag and trip Jan. 7. He gets a small edge.
2nd pick: #5 (Night's Watch) (3-1) - NEW gelding has been on the sidelines for three months. He has been working fast, and trainer Leonard Powell is dropping him into a claimer for the first time. Even paced in his last pair facing tougher, he's a win candidate today.
3rd pick: #7 (Quiet Dude) (6-1) - Very wide last out, he broke from an outside post (13th of 13) that afternoon. Competitive in his previous pair, he should have a better trip at this longer distance.
4th pick: #3 (Empire Ruler) (6-1) - Away slowly in both starts, he finish 2nd in his debut Dec. 1, then checked in a non-threatening 4th here on a sloppy track Jan. 7. Both races were at this $40K claiming price. Can factor, but he must break with his field.