Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (BEAN COUNTER) (7-2) - A $220,000 daughter of 'Into Mischief,' she's been on the sidelines since tiring when debuting in a five-furlong grass sprint Feb. 3 at Gulfstream Park. Trainer Todd Pletcher wins at a 26% rate second time out, at a 31% clip off of long layoffs, and is 39% when dropping his maidens into claimers for the first time. I give her a slight edge.
2nd pick: #2 (Shannon's Girl) (5-2) - She missed by a 'nose' here at this level going seven furlongs July and was claimed that afternoon for $40,000 by Steve Asmussen. In her first for the new barn Aug. 7 at Saratoga, she rallied to finish 2nd at 5.5 furlongs. Re-claimed that day by Brad Cox, she's a win candidate in this spot.
3rd pick: #6 (Champagne Bliss) (8-1) - Longshot has been out of action since Dec. 8. Another filly by 'Into Mischief,' she finished 2nd in two straight sprinting on the dirt before the long layoff. She runs today off a private trainer change to Mike Stidham, 22% with new arrivals and 24% off of long layoffs. A threat if ready.
4th pick: #9 (Ghostly Beauty) (12-1) - She had a very wide trip at Saratoga Aug. 7 when finishing 6.5 lengths behind 'Shannon's Girl.' This longshot runs off a Dave Duggan claim, three for his last 10, and it's noted that Jose Ortiz is aboard.