Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #7 (NOTORIOUS NICK) (6-1) - Longshot tired while wide when debuting here at this level and distance Jan. 19. Well backed that day with Javier Castellano aboard, $225,000 purchase has been working fast since and trainer Saffie Joseph Jr, 20-for-78 (26%) at the meet is adding blinkers (26%).
2nd pick: #9 (Beau Trace) (5-2) - Freshened up since Jan. 19, even-paced type has an experience edge and has been in with some tough fields at this level. He finished second this level and distance Dec. 7 and enters this contest off a fast half-mile breeze March 1.
3rd pick: #6 (Tangled Web) (4-1) - The gelding finished second here when debuting at a mile facing $35,000 'open' claimers Jan 23 with the winner taking another next out. This gelding is moving up in class, shortening up in distance, and is with fellow Florida-breds for this attempt. Trainer Kate O'Connell is having a strong meet 64-10-9-13 and she won a race here yesterday with a second-time starter.
4th pick: #3 (Can U Handle This) (5-1) - He set a pressured pace before weakening to finish third going a mile here facing $50K 'open' company Feb 22. Competitive at this level and distance prior to that, he must be left in the mix.