Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (POPULAR KID) (9-2) - Veteran gelding moves up in class following a pair of sharp back-to-back wins here facing cheaper. 6yo has a flexible style, has earned high figures in each, and is nine for 30 overall on the dirt (five for nine at this distance). I think he can make it three in a row if he holds his recent form.
2nd pick: #10 (Sonny Smack) (3-1) - 'Sonny' drops down a bit after rallying to finish 2nd going nine furlongs here March 21 against a bit tougher. He's returned from a pair of layoffs in very good form and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Exulting) (7-2) - 7yo gets some class relief after competing in three straight stakes, two on the grass and one on dirt. A stakes winner here last May 3, he's the type that can 'run all day' without tiring, and is racing for a $50K price tag for the first time. In the mix.
4th pick: #3 (Hunka Burning Love) (15-1) - Longshot has early speed, is capable at this level and distance, and is racing third back from a 3.5-month layoff. The veteran is capable of factoring at a big price.
5th pick: #1 (Jungle Warfare) (10-1) - He's stretching out following a pair of sprints after coming off a long layoff Feb. 1. He has a ground-saving post and may get a share at a big price.