Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (ISLAND SONG) (3-1) - Grey gelding missed by a 1/2-length here sprinting on the grass at this $25K claiming price March 26. It was his first race in 5.5 months, and trainer Ed Kenneally moves him to the dirt while stretching him out a furlong. He has acceptable main track form, and he worked a bullet half-mile on the dirt at the Palm Meadows Center April 10. He gets a very slim edge.
2nd pick: #5 (Queen's Mason) (7-2) - He chased a fast pace while wide before tiring here at this tag and trip April 11. It was his first back after spending a half-year on the sidelines. He's back in 15 days, drops in half, and is a strong win candidate. I could have easily made him the top selection.
3rd pick: #6 (Brother Aaron) (9-2) - Colt drops in half after tiring for a $50K price tag Jan. 5. It was a very poor effort as the favorite, but he had been earning good figures in the Fall at Churchill Downs. Working both steadily and above average, he must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #7 (El Pillo) (7-2) - Unraced since Sept. 22, he goes first off a Steve Klesaris claim and returns as a NEW gelding. He's worked five times since March 10, and Irad Ortiz, Jr. is aboard for the first time.