Best exotics to play in Tesio Stakes

The $125,000 Federico Tesio S. is the main attraction on a big Saturday of racing at Pimlico where a total of six black-type events will take place. Eight sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles on the main surface in the feature, where the winner will receive a berth in the Preakness S. (G1) on the course on May 15.

I find a lot of appeal in #5 Hello Hot Rod (5-1) and will base my wagers around the talented three-year-old. Second by a neck on debut, the son of Mosler has run off a trio of wins in succession, led by a game triumph in the Jimmy Winkfield S. at Aqueduct last time out.

Bought for $335,000 at Fasig-Tipton in February, he has improved his Brisnet Speed figure in each race to date, and the youngster is training like a runner who is sitting on another big performance in his first start for conditioner Shawn Davis. The Maryland-bred aced his test at one mile two back, and I have confidence that he will endure nine furlongs with success on Saturday. Feargal Lynch will be in the stirrups atop the dark bay colt.

#8 Maythehorsebwithu (5-2) is the logical one to beat having run first or second in six straight tilts since adding blinkers. Russell pupil dominated the Miracle Wood S. two back, and the gelding comes off a game try when runner-up in the recent Private Terms S. The Keystone State-bred son of Bullsbay gets an ideal outside draw and will be forcing the pace from the start with Sheldon Russell in the silks.

#3 Royal Number (6-1) is hard to figure due to his inconsistencies, but the chestnut can run big on his best days and fits well in this field at a decent number. Trombetta trainee will race with blinkers for the initial time on Saturday, and if he runs to his fine allowance romp three prior, then the Palace Malice colt will be a threat inside the final furlong. Closing type could capitalize on a likely swift early tempo beneath Pimentel.

Tesio Wagers

• $1 superfecta: 5 with 3,8 with 3,8 with all ($10)
• $1 superfecta: 5 with 3,8 with all with 3,8 ($10)
• $1 superfecta: 3,8 with 5 with 3,8 with all ($10)
• $1 superfecta: 3,8 with 5 with all with 3,8 $10)