Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (UNIFIED) (5-2) - Reported to be a runner before making his debut Feb 21 at Gulfstream Park, he did not disappoint those who bet him down to 4-5 odds. Colt set a quick pace in the six-furlong contest and won 'in hand' by three lengths. He ran the distance in 1:08.80 with the figure earned matching the highest any of these has reached to date. This is a very big step up, but his works at Palm Meadows before shipping north are impressive.
2nd pick: #6 (Cocked and Loaded) (6-1) - On the sidelines since a solid effort in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Keeneland, his last four works for his return to action have all been bullets. One run-type was three for five in 2015 when racing on conventional dirt and it's noted that Irad Ortiz Jr. is aboard.
3rd pick: #8 (Richie the Bull) (8-1) - Son of the swift 'Benny the Bull' has been sharp in every start to date. Illinois bred has won three of his five starts and finished third in a pair of stakes in his two defeats. In his seasonal debut Jan 30 at Gulfstream, he ran third at this distance in the Swale Stakes (G2). Colt was working very fast at Tampa Bay Downs before coming to New York.
4th pick: #4 (Awesome Gent) (3-1) - From the barn of Todd Pletcher, gelding has won three in a row here racing on the inner-track (winter surface). His latest saw him win a $125K stakes going six furlongs March 6. By far a career best, he did so with ease. Must be left in the mix.