Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #8 (NOT NOW RAND) (4-1) - A lightly raced gelding, he's been on the sidelines since finishing fourth going a mile facing tougher on a sloppy track at Gulfstream Dec. 15. Trainer Stanley drops him to a new low, shortens him up, and is adding blinkers. He's been working steadily and I like that Luis Saez (4 for 9 44}) when riding for Hough is aboard.
2nd pick: #3 (Wild One Forever) (6-1) - A NEW gelding, this $175,000 purchase is switching to the dirt, shortening up in distance, and is in a claimer for the first time. From a top barn (Wesley Ward) and I think this 3yo will be competitive at a square price.
3rd pick: #7 (Musical Man) (9-2) - Even-paced Louisiana bred is moving in with 'open' company and dropping into a claimer. Colt made six starts at the Fair Grounds during their long meet and did not finish worse than 4th in any. In shape and he's capable of factoring.
4th pick: #4 (Gambit) (15-1) - No-speed type has been idle since Feb. 1 when he raced evenly going a mile on the Gulfstream turf for a $30K tag. His connections move him back to the dirt, shorten him up, and a fast/and or contested pace may lead to a slice at a big price.
5th pick: #5 (Yabba Dabba Dude) (10-1) - Colt has early speed and is cutting back in distance for this attempt. He finished within range in two of his last three at the Fair Grounds and must be left in the mix.