Top pick: #4 (COO CACHOO) - In the best shape of his life and he races fresh off a Julio Canani claim. Colt has excellent early speed, is working fast for this, and is the only entrant with a win on this surface. Four-year-old faces a field with many question marks and he has a big recency advantage.
2nd pick: #1 (In the Paint) - Races off a 5 1/2 month layoff, is working well for the Mitchell barn, has the rail, and some speed and back class. Can factor if ready.
3rd pick: #2 (Ain) - Lightly-raced gelding switches surface and goes longer after breaking his maiden last out on the grass. He's run well on real dirt in the past at both Hastings Park and Emerald Downs and it's nice to see Gomez take the re-ride.