Bet this race at Diamond SportsTop pick: #3 (WILSHIRE STAR) (3-1) - Lightly-raced and improving, he's gone 4-0-3-1 on the grass so far. Gelding has finished a close up second and third in both starts at this $35K claiming price and his flexible running style is a plus.
2nd pick: #5 (False Accusation) (5-2) - The morning line favorite, he's dropping to a new low in his third back from a 4.5 month layoff. He's had trouble at the start in his return pair but still was competitive in both. A strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #9 (Off the Chain) (20-1) - Longshot takes the same drops as 'False Accusation' and moves back to the grass following a dirt start at this distance. Capable of geting a share of this at a very big price.
4th pick: #10 (Bootlegger) (7-2) - Bred/owned/trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, colt is one of two making their debuts. Bred in France, 3-year-old has some sharp works at Payson Park including a bullet half-mile breeze Feb 7.
5th pick: #1 (French Command) (8-1) - Nicely bred colt takes a huge drop after racing both wide and evenly while never in contention when debuting here Feb 18. Son of 'War Chant' is in a good second out barn of George Arnold (23%) and breaks from the rail.