Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (ATOMIC ACTION) (3-1) - On the sidelines since Sept. 8, lightly raced gelding is working fast locally for his return. When last in action, he finished 2nd in back-to-back starts at this tag, once each at Del Mar and Los Alamitos. Gets a slight edge if ready.
2nd pick: #3 (Cupid's Beau) (5-2) - Speed/stalker set a quick and pressured pace before weakening to finish a distant 2nd here at this level Feb. 9. Competitive in three of his last four, he should be involved from gate-to-wire.
3rd pick: #2 (Monterey Shale) (4-1) - 5yo is moving from grass to dirt and is dropping into a claimer for the first time. Competitive a number of times facing better, he should factor today on the class reduction.
4th pick: #8 (Empire Ruler) (7-2) - Lightly raced grey colt moves up just a bit in price in his first following a claim by veteran Ron Ellis. Competitive in two of his first three, his lack of speed is a concern, but he draws well and should receive a fast and/or contested pace to close into.