Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (ITALIAN SYNDICATE) (4-1) - Lightly-raced 3-year-old moves up in class in his first off a Rudy Rodriguez claim. He finished a wide third here for a $25K tag the day he changed barns (Jan 13). Rodriguez (37% off the claim) has worked him three times since and has Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard.
2nd pick: #4 (Frozen Angel) (2-1) - The morning line and probable favorite, he missed by a 'nose' here at this level and distance Jan. 26. It was his first race since Nov. 6 and he's an obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #7 (Mo Focused) (9-2) - Home bred by 'Uncle Mo' has shown good early speed in both starts facing tougher. Trainer Todd Pletcher drops him into a claimer and he's won with 15 of 35 (43%) taking this particular drop over the past 13.5 months.
4th pick: #9 (Married to Anya) (12-1) - Longshot has a bit of early speed and is taking the same class drop as 'Mo Focused'. Under-rated barn (Charlie Baker) has this colt in a spot where he may grab a share at a big price.