Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #6 (PREMIER STAR) (7-2) - Colt makes both his stakes debut and first start around two-turns in this spot. $100K purchase has won his first pair going 7 furlongs at Gulfstream coming from just off the pace in his debut then leading all the way in his latest. Trainer Jorge Navarro has John Velazquez aboard and I think this promising runner can cause a mild upset.
2nd pick: #4 (Independence Hall) (6-5) - Undefeated, he's won all three starts by huge margins and done so without having to put forth a lot of effort. He's won his last pair going a one-turn mile at Aqueduct and is racing around two-turns for the first time. One of the pre-race favorites for the Kentucky Derby (G1), he would be no surprise.
3rd pick: #1 (Ajaaweed) (4-1) - Shadwell runner has been training well at the Palm Meadows Center for his first start since Dec. 7. Son of 'Curlin' rallied into a slow pace to miss by a 1/2 length going 9 furlongs at Aqueduct in the Remsen Stakes (G2) last out which gave him valuable experience racing around two-turns. No speed type has a ground-saving post and a fast and/or contested pace would help his style out.
4th pick: #2 (Sole Volante) (12-1) - Another that lacks any early speed, he rallied while wide to finish third at Gulfstream going a one-turn mile in the Mucho Macho Man Stakes Jan. 4. It was his first on dirt after winning his first pair on the grass and he may get a share at a square price.