Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (TIZAMAGICIAN) (3-1) - A well-bred 3yo, he's training steadily since checking in a close-up 4th here going 8.5 furlongs in the Bob Lewis Stakes (G3) Feb. 1. $150K son of 'Tiznow' has a speed/stalking style and catches a group with very little pace on view. I give him top billing.
2nd pick: #1 (El Huerfano) (5-1) - This hard-hitting veteran has gone 32-7-8-5 on conventional dirt and is 21-5-7-2 locally. One run type finished 2nd at this distance for a $50K tag March 1 in his first since Aug. 11. The 8yo has the rail and should factor with his normal effort.
3rd pick: #4 (Take the One O One) (8-1) - A state-bred stakes winner, this speedy 5yo moves back to the dirt after tiring in a pair of grass attempts, which came following a 17-month layoff. Working fast locally, he's done well here on the dirt in the past, and his early speed makes him dangerous.
4th pick: #8 (Nolo Contesto) (4-1) - Once promising 3yo has been on the sidelines since Oct. 12. The 4yo moves back to the dirt following three straight on the grass, and he has many efforts in the past that make him a threat if repeatable.
5th pick: #10 (Kylemore) (10-1) - He was a winner here at this distance for a $25K tag on March 6, and this stalker may get a share at a big price despite moving up in class. Capable of factoring, but his outside post hurts his overall prospects.