I have no major knocks against Frontier Market (5), who is very likely to win this race. He ran well in each of his starts this past winter at Gulfstream and meets a group that is largely unproven over this surface. The only concern – and it’s a minor one – is that he seemed to improve with the stretch-out in distance last time, and today’s one-mile trip may be just short of his best. I’m using him prominently, but I do see one viable alternative.

LABEQ (11) was given plenty of chances to establish himself as a dirt horse following a decent debut behind Vino Rosso last fall. However, he’s always had turf as a backup option given his pedigree, and he now gets a chance to run over that surface. His dam, Life Is Sweet, was a Grade 1 winner who raced primarily on synthetic tracks in California but also handled grass. Labeq is also a full sibling to two minor turf winners. Kiaran McLaughlin has had plenty of success with this move, and the horse figures to be a square price.

THE PLAY

Win: 11
Exacta Box: 5,11