Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #4 (CHANCE IT) (2-1) - He was scratched out of last Saturday's Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) by trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. because of a poor post (12 of 12). This Florida bred has won two in a row and is 6-4-2-0 overall. Colt won a stakes for fellow state breds at this distance Sept. 28, then scored by a 'head' Jan. 4 at Gulfstream in the one-mile Mucho Macho Man Stakes. Working very fast, I give him a slight edge in a strong field.
2nd pick: #2 (Spa City) (6-1) - Godolphin home bred by 'Street Sense' has improved with each start and was a maiden winner going nine-furlongs at Gulfstream Feb. 8. He earned a solid figure, continues to train fast, and he's a win candidate at a square price.
3rd pick: #3 (Relentless Dancer) (15-1) - He had no chance in the G3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Feb. 1 when he was slammed around at the break and tired after rushing following that incident. A very impressive winner in his prior pair, his latest was his first race in 3.5 months. Speed/stalker is in the mix at a big price.
4th pick: #7 (Sole Volante) (5-2) - Very strong finisher rallied from far back into a swift pace to win the local Sam B. Davis Stakes (G3) here at this distance Feb. 8. A winner of three of four overall, he finished 2nd in his lone defeat. He and was a bit over two lengths behind 'Chance It' that afternoon. A fast and/or contested pace would help his chances out.
5th pick: #5 (Market Analysis) (8-1) - Grey colt is one of three entered by Todd Pletcher, and they all race as separate betting interests. A $250,000 colt by 'Honor Code,' he won his debut going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Jan. 25 with the 2nd place runner winning next out, and is at Aqueduct today for the G3 Gotham Stakes. Working fast, this is a big step up, but Pletcher has won this race in the past with similar looking 3yos.