Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (MISS NOTORIOUS) (3-1) - This filly tired late to finish 5th of nine, beaten by just under three lengths when debuting here at this distance Feb. 17. $95K purchase was involved in a speed duel that day and held gamely until the late stages. From the Asmussen barn, 23% second time out, she has the rail, and I like her chances.
2nd pick: #5 (Garden Affair) (5-1) - On the sidelines since Sept. 29, she runs today off a private sale and a trainer change to Chris Hartman. Training fast for her return, she's nibbled several times at this distance, and her a.m. drills are too good to ignore.
3rd pick: #8 (Freedom Passage) (4-1) - Long time maiden ships from the Fair Grounds where she's been competitive in three straight sprints. One run type tends to finish evenly, so she needs to do better in the final furlong.
4th pick: #10 (Tipazar) (9-2) - She had no chance here going a mile Feb. 9 when she had all sorts of problems, not of her own doing, at the break. Capable sprinting, her outside post is a plus, and she must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #9 (Lookin Sharp) (8-1) - An uncoupled barn-mate of 'Miss Notorious,' both are trained by Steve Asmussen, she switches to the dirt after tiring in a grass sprint at the Fair Grounds Feb. 8. It was her first back off a 15.5-month layoff, and she should improve today.