Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (NETWORK EFFECT) (2-1) - This colt has gone 6-2-3-0 so far with all of those starts coming against 'open' company. He missed by a 1/2-length here going a mile March 28 and is in with fellow Florida-breds for the first time. His maiden win came at this seven-furlong distance, and I give this runner from the barn of Chad Brown a slight edge.
2nd pick: #6 (He Hate Me) (5-2) - Very consistent stalker has gone 16-4-4-5, all on the dirt and all in sprints. A stakes winner in the past, he's in good form and has been sharp in all three previous attempts at today's seven-furlong trip. He's dangerous in this spot.
3rd pick: #2 (Last Judgment) (4-1) - This $300,000 4yo by 'Congrats' was a sharp come-from-behind winner here going six furlongs when facing 'open' company Feb. 7. It was his first start since June 16, and in his follow up March 28 he tired in a stakes facing 'open' foes again. In with fellow state-breds today, a fast and/or contested pace would help his late-running style out.
4th pick: #8 (Royal Squeeze) (8-1) - Speedy veteran draws a fine outside post to 'gun' from and has more lifetime wins (six) at this distance than the rest of the field combined (five). He's in the mix at a big price.