Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (DEFICIT REDUCTION) (3-1) - Colt rallied mildly to check in 4th of 13, beaten by three lengths racing here at this distance for a $50K tag Jan. 27th. It was his first since debuting in late September at Monmouth and a big step forward off that race. Trainer Chad Brown drops him down a bit, and he has him making back-to-back starts for the first time.
2nd pick: #8 (Kid Jeter) (6-1) - He moves to the turf after racing on a sloppy main track and the all weather surface at Turfway Park in his first pair. He showed some speed in each, and trainer George Weaver is racing him without blinkers and in a claimer, both for the first time.
3rd pick: #5 (Bibbo) (5-1) - He made a good middle move here last out and was starting to weaken when he had some traffic woes at the 1/8th pole. He was only 3.5 back of 'Deficit Reduction' that day and has since breezed a near bullet half-mile Feb. 6th. Whatever he has should show in this spot.
4th pick: #2 (Salt Mine) (12-1) - Grey gelding has fine early speed and has been hurt by outside posts in both starts here. $100K 2yo purchase draws a much better slot, and trainer Tim Hills brings him back quickly (16-days for this attempt). His early speed makes him dangerous at a big price.
5th pick: #1 (English Mahaveer) (8-1) - Son of turf champ 'English Channel' has a bit of talent, but may be limited to a minor award from his inside post as he faces many runners who are dropping in class.