Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (ANSWER IN) (5-2) - This promising 3yo is one of three entered that were nominated to the now in jeopardy Triple Crown races. Very sharp in all three starts in the latter part of last year, he concluded his 2yo season by missing by a 'head' in the G3 Springboard Mile Dec. 15 at Remington Park. Trainer Brad Cox then sent him in for a two-month break, and this $175K purchase finished a very wide 3rd here Feb. 17 in the Southwest Stakes (G3). Working fast for this attempt, I like his prospects.
2nd pick: #3 (General Trev) (7-2) - Gelding won his debut here going a mile Feb. 29 and earned a solid figure for a first-time-starter. Home-bred faces a much tougher group, but has plenty of room for upside, and he hails from the fine barn of Steve Asmussen.
3rd pick: #1 (Finick the Fierce) (6-1) - This gelding drops in class following a pair of decent efforts at the Fair Grounds in 'Graded' stakes. The latest saw him miss by just over four lengths in the G2 Risen Star Feb. 15, and this stretch runner draws a ground saving post for his first at Oaklawn.
4th pick: #7 (Fort Knox) (6-1) - Quickly improving colt was a very impressive maiden winner going nine furlongs at the Fair Grounds Feb. 15. Working fast since, he must be left in the mix.