Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (S'MAVERLOUS) (7-2) - Veteran ships down from Oaklawn Park where he raced both wide and evenly in a six-furlong sprint at this level Jan. 17th. Strong finisher has a solid overall record (17-6-3-4) all coming in dirt sprints. Trainer Mike Maker has him racing second off a seven-week break (24%), and he wins at a 23% clip on the stretch out. Looks primed for a big effort.
2nd pick: #6 (The Sandman) (5-2) - One of two entered by trainer Tom Amoss and the pair race uncoupled. Lightly raced, he finished a pace-setting 3rd of 10, beaten just over a length racing here at this level and distance Jan. 16th. It was his first start in almost a year and has worked fast since. A strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Udoknowjack) (10-1) - The main speed, longshot tired here in the mud Jan. 7th in his second back from a five-month absence. State bred has five local wins, while the rest of the field has three combined. Veteran is dangerous if left alone on the lead in the first half-mile.
4th pick: #4 (Tarpy's Goal) (3-1) - Stakes placed 7yo was a 1/2 length better than 'Sandman' here Jan. 16th. It was his best since coming off an eight-month layoff in late Nov. Can factor, but think he'll be over-bet.