Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #10 (ANIMAL APPEAL) (3-1) - She's the main speed and is racing third back from a half-year's absence. Four-year-old just missed here at this level and distance May 21 and has since come back with a sharp half-mile breeze June 8. Looks set but make sure you reverse your exactas with her for a few dollars.
2nd pick: #6 (Somerset Sandy) (5-1) - One of two entered by trainer George Weaver and the pair race uncoupled. Lightly-raced daughter of 'Scat Daddy' moves up in class as she faces winners for the first time. Promising home bred broke her maiden here on this course at this distance April 29. It was her first race in 6.5 months and I believe she has a bright future. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Esther the Queen) (4-1) - Home bred filly missed by a 1/2 length here at this level and distance April 29. Big effort came off almost a 4.5 month layoff and she finished in front of 'Animal Appeal' that afternoon. Four-year-old clearly prefers turf over dirt and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #12 (C d'Cat) (4-1) - Mare is racing for the first time since Nov 8. She was a winner that day going a mile on the Aqueduct turf course facing 'open' high-level starter-allowance foes. Capable at this sprint distance, trainer Joe Sharp wins at a 22% rate off of long layoffs. A threat if ready.
5th pick: #8 (Louisville First) (20-1) - The second of the fillies from trainer George Weaver, $120K purchase is racing for the first time on the grass and does so of almost a seven month layoff. Working fine, her drills include a near bullet half-mile breeze here May 10.