Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (PRESIDENTIAL BIRD) (7-2) - NEW gelding ships in from Keeneland where he rallied to miss by a 'nose' going 6.5 furlongs for a $40K tag April 21. Claimed that day by Bob Diodoro, new trainer wins at a 25% rate first off the barn switch and he gives this lightly raced 3-year-old a confident bump up in class.
2nd pick: #4 (Rarest Quality) (2-1) - Another shipping from Keeneland, this gelding chased a quick pace before weakening debuting for a $50,000 claiming price April 14. Trainer Wesley Ward has won with 20 of 67 (30%) second time maidens over the past 17.5 months.
3rd pick: #5 (Killybegs Captain) (4-1) - Grey colt chased the pace and held down the place spot April 5 at Aqueduct in his first back from a six month layoff. By far a career best and he must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #2 (River Deep) (10-1) - Class dropper chased and tired facing tougher here April 30. Only his second start it was his first since Nov. 19. From a capable barn, I expect this longshot to be involved most of the way, but he needs to do better in the final 1/4 mile.