Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (RANGER UP) (5-2) - A $575,000 gelded son of 'First Samurai', he ships from Gulfstream where he missed by a length at this level and distance March 2. From the Pletcher barn, 3yo is improving and gets top billing.
2nd pick: #9 (Bandon Woods) (3-1) - He was heavily bet when debuting at Gulfstream going 7 furlongs Feb. 16. A $700,000 son of 'Uncle Mo', he chased a very quick pace before weakening to finish fourth, beaten 8 lengths. Trainer Chad Brown (29% second time out), stretches him out in distance (30%), and he had this colt work five times during March before shipping here. Dangerous today.
3rd pick: #1 (Runnin Ray) (7-2) - Another making his second start while stretching out in distance, this colt rallied to finish second when debuting at this level going 6 furlongs on a muddy track at the Fair Grounds March 16. He has the rail and trainer Joe Sharp wins at a solid 22% clip 2nd time out and at an 18% rate on the stretch out angle.
4th pick: #2 (Unveiling) (8-1) - Phipp's home bred ran evenly when finishing when debuting at 7 furlongs March 9 at Gulfstream. He had traffic issues during the first part then was wide from that point on. Trainer 'Shug' McGaughey wins at a 30% rate when stretching runners out and it's noted that John Velazquez is aboard.
5th pick: #7 (Freefall) (20-1) - Longshot ran evenly going 6 furlongs March 16 at Gulfstream. It was just an educational debut and trainer Rodolphe Brisset stretches him out (19%) and it's noted that Jose Ortiz gets aboard. Note: Brisset is off to a great start at this meet 6-2-2-1 over the first three days of action.