Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (RATIFY) (4-1) - Lightly raced gelding missed by a 1/2-length here at this distance for a $50,000 price tag Feb. 20. Claimed that afternoon by Ed Plesa, Jr., he's given him a seven-week break and drops him down a bit for this attempt. This speed/stalker has Joel Rosario aboard, and I like this one's chances.
2nd pick: #2 (Spiritual King) (5-2) - The morning line and probable favorite, he tired late after setting a pressured pace to finish 5th of eight, missing by 4.5 lengths going nine furlongs facing special weights March 7. It was only his second start, his first in two months, first on the grass, and a big improvement off his dirt debut. Pletcher drops him into a claimer here for the first time, a strong 35% winning angle since Jan. 1 of 2019. An obvious win candidate and I could have easily made him the top selection.
3rd pick: #7 (Dr Doyle) (9-2) - Home-bred had a wide trip finishing 3rd of 10, beaten just under three lengths here at this distance for a $50K tag March 12. It was his first ever in a claimer, and he drops down a bit for this attempt. It's noted that trainer Jane Cibelli has Luis Saez aboard for this assignment. In the mix.
4th pick: #1 (Yankee Empire) (20-1) - Longshot has good early speed and is breaking from the rail in his first ever on the grass and second back following just under a 7.5-month layoff. He has blinkers on and may lead them a very long way at a big price.