Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (ECHO TOWN) (2-1) - Very consistent colt has gone 4-2-1-1 to date and ships from Oaklawn Park where he missed by a 'head' in a $100K stakes at this distance April 25. Stalker has worked twice since, has a recency edge on a pair entered, and I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #8 (Meru) (5-1) - A $300,000 son of 'Sky Mesa', he won his first pair in impressive style last Summer at Monmouth. Both came sprinting and he ended his 2yo season with a 2nd place finish in Aqueduct's one-mile Nashua Stakes (G3) Nov 3. He had a troubled start that day, then was forced into a wide trip. Working steadily at his owner's Colts' Neck Training Center, he's a win candidate if ready.
3rd pick: #4 (Hop Kat) (6-1) - Undefeated colt won his debut here by 8 lengths going 5 furlongs on May 17 of last year. Unraced until a month ago at Gulfstream, he scored by a length in a first-level allowance at this distance on a sloppy surface. Son of 'Stay Thirsty' has won from both on and a stalking spot and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #1 (By Your Side) (8-1) - This $240,000 son of 'Constitution' is from the same barn (Ed Kenneally) as 'Hop Kat' and the pair race uncoupled. He's working very fast for his first since Oct 5, has talent, and is capable of factoring at a square price if ready.