Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (HIT THE SEAM) (5-1) - The field's most experienced maiden, he's cutting back in distance after finishing third of 10, beaten a length here going a mile at this level May 5. He meets a group that has more questions than answers on paper and I give him a slight edge.
2nd pick: #5 (Young Hendrick) (5-2) - The morning line favorite and probable favorite, 4yo has been on the sidelines since finishing a pace-chasing third at this level and distance Aug. 5 at Del Mar. Training fast here for his return, gelding is an obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #9 (Give Me the Lute) (7-2) - A NEW gelding, he showed sharp early speed before weakening to finish 3rd when debuting at this level in a dirt sprint Sept. 9 at Los Alamitos. Training fast at the San Luis Rey training facility, he's from a top barn (Peter Miller) and has Flavien Prat aboard. This Gary Barber home bred is in the mix.