Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (DUKES UP) (7-2) - He defeated $16K claimers here at this distance Feb. 29 in his first start since Nov. 29 when he came east from California. Claimed that day be Dewaine Loy, he rallied after a very slow beginning to finish 2nd facing starter-allowance foes ($25,000 level) March 13. He's back in a claimer today with a ground-saving post. I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #5 (Malibu Pro) (5-2) - Veteran drops back down after three solid starts at this meet facing weaker. He finished a stalking 2nd facing $20K starter-allowance types at this distance March 20 and is a very strong win candidate, and I could have easily made him the top choice.
3rd pick: #4 (Pinson) (15-1) - Big longshot drops back into a claimer after tiring facing tougher March 13. He had missed by just under a length for a $25K price tag in his previous effort and is capable of factoring at large odds.
4th pick: #2 (Kenzou's Rhythm) (9-2) - Cheaper sort tries hard most every time and has a solid record on dirt (19-4-4-3). He's finished 3rd in both starts at the meet facing weaker, but earned solid figures and must be left in the mix.