Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (VILMA) (2-1) - Gelding is racing second off a Linda Rice claim and a subsequent nine week break (a 28% winning move by the barn). Speed/stalker has been competitive in three straight since dropping down and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #6 (Pontastic) (7-2) - Lightly-raced colt switches from grass to dirt for this attempt. Son of 'Gio Ponti' raced evenly at this level and distance on the Belmont turf Sept. 29. It was his first off a Steve Asmussen claim and third off a two month break. Working frequently here for today's assignment and Irad Ortiz Jr, stays aboard.
3rd pick: #1 (Schott) (6-1) - $450,000 purchase can be had today for a $40K claiming price. Gelding by 'Unbridled's Song" drops down in class, goes turf to dirt, and stretches out a furlong. He earned competitive figures in both previous dirt races and should factor at a square price.
4th pick: #2 (Hard Study) (5-1) - Home bred by 'Big Brown' was away slowly and ran evenly when debuting Feb. 20 on the Gulfstream turf. He ships up from Palm Beach Downs for this attempt and is from the barn of Todd Pletcher (26% second time out) and 35% off of long layoffs.