Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (TASHREEH) (3-1) - Freshened up since Dec. 17, he won a high-end starter-allowance here that afternoon at this distance. Much improved following a claim by leading trainer Rudy Rodriguez for $25K Aug. 19 at Saratoga, he has this gelding working steadily and moving up in class. Can win this if able to avoid a wide trip.
2nd pick: #3 (Roll Tide Roll) (4-1) - Consistent and fast from the gate, he tired here at this level and distance Jan. 14. It was his first race in two months and it broke a string of 11 straight good efforts dating back to the spring of 2015. Five-year-old should be in his every step.
3rd pick: #6 (Rectify) (5-1) - He's moving way up in class in his first off a Charlie Baker claim at three for his last eight (38%). Five-year-old looked sharp defeating weaker Dec. 31 in his first start since early April. He had some promise before the long layoff and is 4-1-2-0 on this inner dirt surface.
4th pick: #7 (Lazarus Project) (6-1) - Consistent sort has been competitive in three of four starts at this level and distance. One-run type should be closing fast and must be left in the mix.