Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #9 (WHITMORE) (5-2) - Clearly the class of the field, he's earned just under $3M with the other nine checking in with $3.5M combined total. Stalker is a multiple stakes winner and is eight for 13 at Oaklawn and 11 for 20 overall at this distance. 7yo was a sharp winner here in the Hot Springs Stakes March 7, the fourth straight time he's won that event. Stalker draws a good post for his style, and there's plenty of speed types available to give him a nice set-up. I like his chances.
2nd pick: #4 (Bobby's Wicked One) (4-1) - Veteran, Mid-West sprinter is making his first start at Oaklawn. 5yo has been freshened p since winning a pair of sprint stakes at the Fair Grounds, the latest coming Jan. 18. He won a tough G3 at Keeneland a year ago, fits with these, and should be involved from gate-to-wire.
3rd pick: #2 (Flagstaff) (7-2) - Lightly raced 6yo has gone 10-5-3-2 sprinting on the So. California circuit and enters this off a sharp win in a G2 going seven furlongs March 7 at Santa Anita. One run type is a threat if he brings his West Coast form to Arkansas.
4th pick: #5 (Wendell Fong) (30-1) - Lightly raced longshot rallied to finish 3rd, 4.5 lengths in back of 'Whitmore' here March 7. It was his first since late July and he's been working fast since. Colt gives away a ton of experience to most all and may be limited to a minor award.
5th pick: #3 (Hog Creek Hustle) (15-1) - No speed type should get a solid pace picture to close into. And with a clear trip, he may get a slice at a very big price.