Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (HARMONIC THUNDER) (3-1) - This filly is one of two entered by Saffie Joseph, Jr., and the pair race uncoupled. This home bred is switching from turf to dirt and is dropping in price. She tired last out after showing speed going a mile on the grass Jan 8. She has some fast works on view, and I like that Javier Castellano stays aboard.
2nd pick: #7 (Topo Grigio) (5-2) - She was hard ridden when debuting here facing tougher going seven furlongs Jan. 26. The Pletcher barn, 24% 2nd time out, drops her into a claimer (33%), stretches her out (22%), and is adding blinkers (16%). Lots to like, including the outside post. A strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Witch Hunter) (9-2) - The second of the Saffie Joseph fillies has been idle since Nov. 20. She runs first time for him, 34% with new arrivals, and he has her working fast for her come-backer. When last in action, she finished 2nd going seven furlongs for a $20K tag, beaten by 7.5 lengths by a filly that won again next out.
4th pick: #5 (Flashing Red) (7-2) - Daughter of 'Violence' ships from Tampa Bay Downs where she finished 2nd in a small field (six) going two-turns Feb. 7. She drops into a claimer, switches to a one-turn mile, and needs to step it up for anything more than a minor award.