Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (OCEAN FIRE) (3-1) - A home-bred filly by 'Animal Kindom,' she's been competitive in five straight on the grass, and all have come against tougher. 4yo missed by a 'head' here at this distance March 29, and trainer Bill Mott drops her into a claimer for the first time. I like her chances.
2nd pick: #5 (Quiet Company) (6-1) - She tired after chasing the pace sprinting on the dirt at this $40K tag April 10. 4yo is stringing starts together following a pair of layoffs and is moving back to the grass while stretching out in distance. The presence of Joel Rosario is noted.
3rd pick: #10 (Noble Alma) (10-1) - This speedy filly is racing third back off a year's layoff and is dropping in class while stretching out in distance. She fits on figures and should be involved from gate-to-wire at a square price.
4th pick: #7 (Delancey's Philly) (12-1) - 3yo broke poorly and had some traffic issues when beaten by just over four lengths here at this trip for a $75,000 claiming price March 15. Only her third start, it was her first since Sept. 21, first on the grass, and first beyond six furlongs. An interesting longshot possibility.
5th pick: #2 (Florado) (5-1) - She rallied to miss by a 'neck' here at this distance for a $50K tag on March 21. Competitive in both starts since switching to the grass, it's noted that trainer Mike Maker has Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard for this attempt. In the mix.