Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (CREATOR) (10-1) - Strong finisher has stepped it up since coming here from the Fair Grounds in late February. Grey colt was a sharp maiden winner here going 8.5 furlongs Feb 27. The leading trainer here (Steve Asmussen) moved him right into the G2 Rebel Stakes March 19. Son of 'Tapit' rallied from far back to check in a fast closing third and should love this nine furlong distance.
2nd pick: #8 (Whitmore) (9-2) - Improving gelding has finished second in the two 'preps' here heading into this $1M contest. He finished a very troubled second in the Southwest Stakes (G3 )Feb 15, then rallied to check in a bit over a length behind today's rival 'Cupid' in the Rebel (G2) March 19.
3rd pick: #5 (American Pioneer) (8) - Very lightly-raced colt moves way up in class after an impressive maiden win here going 8.5 furlongs March 19. Son of 'Awesome Again' has unlimited potential and the figure he earned last out fits with these.
4th pick: #10 (Cupid) (4-1) - He's from the barn of Bob Baffert and he's won this race several times in the past. He used this Derby as the route for 'American Pharoah' last year. This lightly-raced colt won the local Rebel Stakes (G2) March 19 and is the probable favorite this afternoon. Must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #7 (Dazzling Gem) (12-1) - He won his first two starts at the meet, then finished a trouble third on March 26 in the Louisiana Derby (G2) at the Fair Grounds. Stalker is another that's lightly-raced and has plenty of room for upside.