Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (ASHIHAM) (7-2) - This son of 'Tapit' sold for $800,000 as a yearling back in Sept. of 2018 and is making his second start here. He raced both wide and evenly from a tough outside post (10 of 10) when debuting here at six furlongs Feb. 29. With the retirement of trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, this colt runs off a private trainer change to Todd Pletcher, seven of 28 (25%) with new arrivals in 2019-20. Working fast, the additional furlong and better post give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #8 (Basquiat) (5-2) - One of four making their debuts, this home bred by 'American Pharoah' is working well above average for Chad Brown, 39 for 178 (22%) with first-time-starters since Jan. 1 of 2019. The newly returned Irad Ortiz, Jr. is aboard, and he's won with 59 of 229 (26%) when teamed up with Brown in 2019-20.
3rd pick: #6 (Tons of Gold) (15-1) - By far the field's most experienced runner, he's been competitive a number of times and may grab a share at a square price with his stretch rallying tactics.
4th pick: #2 (Fugitive) (4-1) - He's been competitive in both starts and showed some speed last out when finishing 3rd going a mile April 11. $125K purchase is cutting back in distance and can factor with some improvement.