Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (SHIRAZ) (3-1) - He's finished 2nd in both starts at this meet since returning from an almost nine-month layoff April 29. Both have been at this level and distance, and he lost narrowly in each. One run type has a tricky inside post, but with a clean break he can run them down late. The top selection, but make sure you box your bets with him.
2nd pick: #9 (Colonel Tom) (5-2) - 'Tom' was an impressive gate-to-wire winner when debuting at this distance Nov. 11 at Aqueduct. He completed the trip in a swift 1:09:40 while earning the highest figure any of these has reached. Working steadily for his return, he's a serious threat today if ready.
3rd pick: #5 (Discretionary Marq) (6-1) - Lightly raced 4yo returns from a 7.5-month layoff a NEW gelding. He's had excuses in all three starts at this level, and he's shown enough ability to win this if ready with his best.
4th pick: #10 (River Knight) (12-1) - Veteran has sharp early speed and enters off a good effort here at this distance facing $40K 'open' claimers. It would be no surprise to see him hold down a slice of this at a very big price.
5th pick: #8 (Sparky) (6-1) - Lightly raced colt broke his maiden here at this distance May 12. This is a very tough spot for his first facing winners, and I believe a minor award is his ceiling at this point.