Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (BAREEQA) (5-1) - This veteran mare has won 12 of 35 starts on the grass and is 17-5-3-3 at today's 8.5-furlong distance. Strong finisher ships from Gulfstream where she won facing weaker April 19, and she's moving up in class for this attempt. I give her a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Passive Investing) (3-1) - This promising filly from the barn of Chad Brown has been on the sidelines since breaking her maiden at this distance Oct. 10 at Keeneland. She had finished 2nd in her first pair and did so here when debuting just under a year ago. A 4yo by 'Tiznow,' she has early speed, the rail, and this $275K purchase is a strong win candidate if ready.
3rd pick: #3 (Madita) (7-2) - This German-bred mare is one of three Europeans entered in this first-level allowance. The 5yo was Group 3 placed in her native land and was competitive in one of two on this circuit in the late Summer. She has good positional speed, has worked six times at the Fair Hill Center since April 16, and trainer Arnaud Delacour has Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard.
4th pick: #5 (Xanthique) (12-1) - Longshot has been idle since finishing a close-up 4th at this level Oct. 10 at Keeneland. Competitive in five of six since switching to the grass, she's working steadily locally, and is capable of getting a share at a big price.