Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #11 (VEKOMA) (7-2) - A very lightly raced son of 'Candy Ride,' he went into last year's Kentucky Derby (G1) having gone 4-3-1-0, but tired after a wide trip and came back injured. On the sidelines for almost 11 months, he returned with a sharp victory at this distance in the $75K Sir Shackleton Stakes at Gulfstream March 28. The final time was a swift 1:21.80, and he earned his first triple digit figure. Stalker draws a good post, and I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #10 (Mind Control) (9-2) - Take away a poor effort in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) back in early Nov. of 2018, and this colt has gone 11-7-2-1. He's won three stakes in a row, is four for six at this distance, has a fine series of works, and his outside post is a plus. A strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Network Effect) (6-1) - Another lightly raced colt, he's gone 7-3-3-0 to date, is a perfect two-for-two at this distance, and ships from Gulfstream where he won a stakes for fellow Florida-breds at this trip in 1:21.60 May 2. In the barn of Chad Brown, he has Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard. The rider has won seven of 17 in the first three days of action here.
4th pick: #1 (Firenze Fire) (4-1) - This multiple stakes winner has a fine local record (5-3-1-0) and enters off an easy four-length win in Laurel's G3 General George Stakes at this distance in a swift 1:22.20 on Feb. 20. In the mix.
5th pick: #7 (American Anthem) (15-1) - Solid performer has won four of nine at this distance, including an easy score here in the G2 Woody Stephens Stakes at this trip earlier in his career. The 6yo is capable of getting a share at long odds.