Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #11 (RECONVENE) (4-1) - A nice debut here at this tag and trip April 17 saw him rate early, sweep to the lead on the far turn, then tire late to finish 3rd of 12, beaten by just under three lengths. Back on a 22-day turnaround, he worked May 2, and I give him a slight edge in this one.
2nd pick: #4 (Riggins ) (7-2) - This grey gelding by 'Liam's Map' was not really involved when debuting here April 5 facing tougher. However, he's from the Pletcher barn, 23% second time out, and is dropping into a claimer (32%), both stats since Jan. 1 of 2019.
3rd pick: #12 (Eagles Palace) (9-2) - He exits the same April 17 contest as 'Reconvene' and was just under a length behind him at the finish. It was his first race in eight months, and he had some traffic issues on the far turn. A contender, but he must overcome a wide trip.
4th pick: #8 (Strong Headed) (6-1) - No speed type moves up in class following a pair of good efforts while facing weaker. He's closed strongly in each and was only beaten by a 1/2-length last out for a $40K tag. In the mix, but a fast and/or contested pace would help his chances out.
5th pick: #2 (Stonecastle) (30-1) - This longshot is not a win candidate, but he's shown enough to possibly get a small slice of this at a very big price.