Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (SILVER SHIELD) (5-2) - Well bred gelding rallied to miss by a 'neck' here at this $35K tag going 8.5 furlongs Feb. 21. It was his second start back following almost a three month layoff and I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #2 (Great Kahuna) (9-5) - The morning line and probable favorite, he has good early speed and is dropping into a claimer for the first time. A 5yo by 'Smart Strike', he tired late to finish fourth when facing tougher Feb. 22 in his first since Sept. 30 and he's a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (A I Initiative) (9-2) - A 4yo by grass sire 'Artie Schiller', he missed by a length here at this tag Jan. 11 in his first since Sept. 16 at Belmont Park. In his follow up Feb. 14, he tired badly in a contest that was taken 'off the turf'. Back on the grass today, he's a threat at a square price.
4th pick: #4 (Get the News) (8-1) - A lightly raced gelding by 'Tapit', 4yo hasn't raced since late May. He's working steadily, is dropping into a claimer, and is on the grass for the first time. It's noted that leading rider Irad Ortiz Jr is aboard this longshot.