David M Jackson

USA TODAY

Ted Cruz and company are playing the expectations game in New York — including the taunt that front-running businessman Donald Trump should withdraw from the Republican race if he can't crack 50% in his home state.

“If he doesn’t get over 50%, he should probably consider dropping out, like everyone else has when they don’t win their home state in a dramatic fashion,” Cruz campaign manager Jeff Roe told ABC News’ “Powerhouse Politics” podcast, presumably referring to Marco Rubio in Florida.

Roe quickly added that he doesn't expect Trump to follow his advice.

Polls give Trump just more than 50% ahead of the April 19 primary in New York, with Cruz mired in third place behind Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

Both Cruz and Kasich are hoping to keep Trump below 50% and to peel away some of the convention delegates available in the Empire State.

Also as part of the expectations game, Cruz and aides are downplaying their own prospects in New York.

Reports ABC News: