Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #5 (TAPWRIT) (3-1) - One of two entered by trainer Todd Pletcher and the pair race uncoupled. He finished second here in the traditional prep for this the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) Feb. 11 in his first start in two months. Grey colt by 'Tapit' gets a slight edge in a competitive field.
2nd pick: #4 (No Dozing) (6-1) - He ran well in all four starts as a 2-year-old but raced both evenly wide here in the same last race as 'Tapwrit.' I'm willing to forgive him that one as he was racing off a layoff and had an outside post at this distance on this speed favoring strip. Look for him to contend today.
3rd pick: #7 (Sonic Mule) (5-1) - The second of the pair from Todd Pletcher, he has plenty of early speed and has been competitive in every start 8-4-1-3. In shape, working fast at Palm Beach Downs, and John Velazquez is aboard.
4th pick: #1 (Tale of Silence) (20-1) - Longshot has no early speed but draws a ground saving post. There is the potential for a fast and/or contested pace developing and that would be a big plus for this stretch runner.
5th pick: #8 (State of Honor) (4-1) - He's racing third back from a two month break and has been sharp in both return efforts. He was only a 'head' behind 'Sonic Mule' Jan. 7 at Gulfstream, then was a length in back of 'Tapwrit' here Feb 11.