Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (MISSION TRIP) (2-1) - Lightly raced gelding finished 2nd at this level on a sloppy track at Aqueduct March 31. Only his second start, it was his first in two months, and was a nice move forward off his debut. In the Pletcher barn, and 3yo gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #6 (Big Auk) (6-1) - Colt chased and tired when debuting at this distance facing tougher on the inner-surface at Aqueduct. Working steadily for his return, veteran Ed Barker drops him down in class. Can factor today at a square price.
3rd pick: #8 (Steady Heat) (5-1) - Freshened up since Feb. 19, he finished an even 4th that day facing tougher. 4yo by the speedy 'Latent Heat' hit the gate at the break that afternoon, so he did have a legitimate excuse. Must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #5 (Pimm's Cup) (4-1) - Away since Aug. 18, $75K purchase tired that day following a poor start facing much tougher at Saratoga. NEW gelding trained nicely at Oaklawn Park before heading here, and trainer Ken McPeek drops him way down in class for his return.