Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (ZENDEN) (9-2) - Lightly raced colt from the Pletcher barn was well regarded last spring before being injured in the Lexington Stakes (G3) April 13 at Keeneland. Speedy sort had won a sprint stakes here in late Dec. of 2018 and then finished second in the local G3 Swale at 7 furlongs March 9. He's been sharp in two of three since returning to action and last outran second, a length behind today's rival 'Phat Man' here at this trip in a G3 Jan 25. Working fast since I give him top billing in a very competitive contest on paper.
2nd pick: #9 (Mr Freeze) (7-2) - One of two entered by Dale Romans and the pair race uncoupled. He's cutting back in distance after finishing a pace-setting second here going 9 furlongs in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) Jan. 25. Very consistent, he's gone 10-4-4- on dirt, has a stalking gear, and draws a good post. An obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (Rare Form) (10-1) - The second of the Roman's trained pair, he finished an even third here in a G3 at this trip Jan. 25. 5yo was 3 lengths in back of 'Phat Man' and one behind 'Zenden'. Training very fast since, he's in the mix at a big price.
4th pick: #3 (Phat Man) (4-1) - Veteran with no early speed rallied into a very fast/contested pace picture to win a G3 here at this distance Jan. 25. He's 4 for 7 at this trip and is a late threat if the same pace scenario develops.
5th pick: #11 (Hog Creek Hustle) (20-1) - A multiple stakes winner going shorter, he ships from the Fair Grounds where he finished second in a sprint stakes Jan. 18. It was his first race since Nov. and this 4yo draws a good post for the stretch out. He gives away an enormous amount of experience at this distance to most and believe a minor award at a huge price is his ceiling.