Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (CLOONTIA) (6-5) - The probable favorite, colt finished a pace-setting 2nd at this level going a 1/16th farther on the Aqueduct turf April 16. He had been competitive in three straight prior to that at Gulfstream Park facing 'open' company and will be tough to beat in this spot.
2nd pick: #9 (Only You) (9-2) - The field's only first-time-starter, he was in training at Payson Park in Florida for trainer Chris Clement before he shipped him North. Gelding has breezed twice on the training track at Saratoga and is a threat if ready.
3rd pick: #2 (Uncle Chester) (8-1) - Unraced since October, he finished a pace-setting 2nd here going 8.5 furlongs on the grass facing weaker. A career best, it came when Lasix was added for the first time. Training steadily, he could factor at a square price.
4th pick: #3 (Holy Week) (12-1) - Colt is making his 19th start, so he doesn't have much room for upside. No speed type is capable of getting a share, especially if the pace is fast and/or contested.
5th pick: #4 (Irish Prayer) (6-1) - Lightly raced, he's moving up in class following a 2nd place finish on the Aqueduct turf facing weaker foes April 13. By far a career best, it was his first ever on the grass.