Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #2 (BLUSHING BELLA) (4-1) - Oldtimer drops in class after tiring in a stakes race here for state breds Feb. 22. She had won five of eight prior to that facing lower-level 'open' company like she does today. 8yo is one of two entered by leading trainer Bob Diodoro, and the pair run as separate betting interests.
2nd pick: #9 (Shaharazad) (7-2) - This well-bred 4yo is the second of the Diodoro trained pair, and she runs first off a claim. That's a 31% winning angle for the barn since Jan. 1 of 2019, and this filly drops down for this attempt. Stretch runner would be helped by a fast and/or contested pace.
3rd pick: #1 (Smokin Hot Mama) (8-1) - Mare rallied to finish 4th of nine, missing by almost five lengths here for a $10K price tag April 2. 5yo was away slowly that day and a clean break could see her getting a share at a big price.
4th pick: #7 (Daaherrachel) (7-2) - She's one of two, the other being # 5 'Arrowsphere,' who is very fast from the gate. Mare ships from the Fair Grounds where she tired to finish a distant 4th sprinting on the grass facing tougher March 8. All three career wins have come on the dirt, and she broke her maiden here a year ago in her only previous local attempt. In the mix.