Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (BLACKTOP LEGEND) (5-2) - A lightly raced 3yo by 'Hard Spun, he ships from Gulfstream Park where he ran both wide and evenly going 8.5 furlongs facing tougher April 28. Trainer Jon Thomas shortens him in distance, drops him into a claimer, and is adding blinkers. He has Javier Castellano aboard and the pair teamed up to win last year's Travers Stakes (G1) with 'Catholic Boy'.
2nd pick: #2 (Thenorthremembers) (5-1) - He was scratched out of a dirt sprint yesterday to await this 6 furlong grass contest. Colt finished a distance second when debuting for a $50K tag on the Aqueduct dirt Feb. 15, Claimed that day by Linda Rice, she sent him in for a two month break and moved him to the turf for an 8.5 furlong race April 19 at Laurel. The 3yo raced wide and evenly that afternoon and is shortening up in distance while dropping just under the claimed price. He's a contender in this spot.
3rd pick: #3 (Driver Dan) (8-1) - Longshot has been freshened up since beginning his career at the Fair Grounds in a pair of dirt sprints. A home bred by 'Uncle Mo', he tired in both after being bumped at the break in each but did show good early speed once in stride. Colt runs off a private trainer change to Danny Gargan and he's won with 20 of 65 (31%) with new arrivals in 2018-19. I like his work pattern and Gargan is dropping him into a claimer, 3 for his last 8 (38%).
4th pick: #5 (Clyde's Runner) (3-1) - A NEW gelding, 4yo is racing for the first time since early October. No-speed type finished 4th of 7, beaten 9.5 lengths at this tag and trip last out and is a late threat if the pace is fast and/or contested.