Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (HOPPING PROUD) (2-1) - Colt is dropping into a claimer for the first time. Texas bred missed by a 'neck' when debuting here in a 5.5-furlong dirt contest Jan. 25th. Sent to the turf at this distance Feb. 5th, he raced wide while beaten just over eight lengths. Successful barn (Danny Pish) drops him way down, and 3yo meets a weak looking field. With the race being switched to the main track, he should break his maiden.
2nd pick: #8 (Storm Prospector) (8-1) - One of three making their debuts, he's in a good barn (Tom Short), and is working steadily. Colt had a nice half-mile breeze from the gate on a muddy surface Feb. 6th.
3rd pick: #6 (Kpasawithu) (12-1) - Gelding has tired in all four starts facing tougher. However, his early speed coupled with a drop in class make him dangerous if he gets to the front in the first two furlongs.
4th pick: #4 (Youdaboy) (8-1) - Colt takes the same drop as 'Hopping Proud.' He raced wide while finishing 6.5 lengths behind that rival Jan. 25th, then showed nothing in a follow up start Feb. 12th. The drop can only help his prospects.