Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #12 (SUDDENBREAKINGNEWS) (3-1) - Strong finisher has been razor sharp in all six starts winning three and hasn't been beaten more than a 'neck' in his trio of second place finishes. He rallied to win the G3 Southwest Stakes here at this distance Feb 15 and did so from a tough outside post (13th of 14). Working well since, he gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #4 (Cupid) (7-2) - Trainer Bob Baffert has used this race in the past as a stepping stone towards winning next months Arkansas Derby (G1). The most recent of those came with 'American Pharoah' last year. He sends this lightly-raced colt here from Santa Anita where this $900K yearling purchase broke his maiden in impressive fashion Feb 7. Working fast since, I expect him to be involved from close range from start-to-finish. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #1 (Creator) (6-1) - Another strong finisher, colt enters off a visually impressive maiden win here at this distance Feb 27. Grey son of 'Tapit' had finished second in three straight at the Fair Grounds before that score. The faster the pace, the better his chances.
4th pick: #10 (Whitmore) (5-1) - Lightly-raced gelding had a tough trip when finishing second to 'Suddenbreakingews' here in the Southwest Stakes (G3) Feb 15. A solid effort and trainer Ron Moquette has Irad Ortiz Jr. coming in from New York to ride him for the first time.