Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #1 (CEE THE PREACHER) (7-2) - Gelding is racing second back from a 5.5-month layoff and is dropping into a claimer for the first time. He has early speed, is breaking from the rail, and meets a field of largely inexperienced rivals.
2nd pick: #7 (Grand Command) (9-2) - He rallied from close range to finish 2nd when debuting here at this price tag Jan. 18th. Raised up in class Feb. 15th, he raced evenly after 'bobbling' at the start. Barn drops him back down and is adding blinkers.
3rd pick: #2 (Captain Akers) (6-1) - Away since late Sept., Tommy Town home bred is dropping into a claimer for the first time. 3yo gelding by 'Aragorn' has fine early speed and was competitive facing tougher in four of five starts in 2015 racing on real dirt. Dangerous if ready off the five-month absence.
4th pick: #4 (Black Tie 'n Tails) (4-1) - One of four making their debuts, he has some quick local works showing, and is from a capable first out barn (Kristin Mulhall, 13%).