Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #12 (APPEALING BRIEFS) (7-2) - NEW gelding has been on the sidelines since Nov. 17. Stretch runner draws a tough post but has been competitive many times in the past facing tougher groups at this level. Four-year-old gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #9 (Bourbon Did It) (5-1) - Speed/stalker moves to the grass following a pair of good efforts at this level going a mile on the dirt. $135,000 purchase is bred to handle the turf and should be involved from start-to-finish.
3rd pick: #1 (Crossways) (8-1) - Long shot is working fast for his first attempt on the grass. Competitive in one of two at this level on the local dirt, he has the rail and is from a very good barn (Danny Gargan).
4th pick: #4 (Collective Effort) (6-1) - Very consistent grey colt has a stalking style and been sharp in both previous grass races. He finished a close up third facing 'open' company here Nov. 30 and must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #11 (La Manche) (8-1) - Lightly-raced gelding tired after setting the pace facing 'open' company when debuting March 10 at Gulfstream. In with fellow state breds today, he should improve in his second attempt.