Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (STANDARD DEVIATION) (5-1) - This talented 4yo son of 'Curlin' rallied to finish 2nd in a $1M turf stakes going 12 furlongs in Qatar Feb. 22. This strong finisher has shown steady improvement during his 11-race career, and prior to his latest, he finished a close-up 3rd in the G1 Hollywood Derby at Del Mar Nov. 30. Training steadily at the Fair Hill Center, he has a ground-saving post, and I think he can win this with a trouble-free trip in this very large field.
2nd pick: #6 (Noble Indy) (12-1) - He's one of two entered by Todd Pletcher, and the pair race uncoupled. The speedy gelding has been competitive in five of six since he was switched to the grass at this time last year. 5yo was a gate-to-wire winner going nine furlongs at Gulfstream facing weaker March 15 and has worked a half-dozen times at Palm Beach Downs since late April. I think he's a win candidate at a big price.
3rd pick: #8 (Sadler's Joy) (3-1) - Old-timer has spent his entire career on the grass and has gone 28-7-4-8 while earning a bit over $2,500,000. This multiple stakes winner had some traffic issues finishing 3rd at Gulfstream in a G2 at this distance Feb. 29, and a fast and/or contest pace would help his late-running style out.
4th pick: #11 (Current) (8-1) - The second of the pair from the Pletcher barn, he missed by a 'neck' at Gulfstream in the Pan American Stakes (G2) at 12 furlongs March 28. The once-promising 3yo earned a career-best figure in that fine effort, and this lightly raced 4yo by 'Curlin' has his best days ahead of him.
5th pick: #5 (Dot Matrix) (15-1) - Veteran New York-bred has done some of his best racing on this course, and this steady performer has more tactical speed than most entered. In shape and working fine, I like that Brad Cox has Joel Rosario aboard for this attempt.