Top pick: #5 (GULCHEN) - Improved effort is noted Mar. 13 when trainer Bob Diodoro stretched him out in distance after he raced very wide when sprinting in his debut Feb. 26. Gelding by "Gulch" raced close-up and had some traffic issues during the stretch run of his most recent start and checked in 6th of 8, beaten 4 1/2 lengths. Has a nice breeze since then, the barn brings him back quickly this afternoon, and he can win this at a nice price.
2nd pick: #8 (Mutamenja) - Well-bred colt will stretch out this afternoon off a troubled race at this level going 6.5 furlongs nine days ago. Four-year-old raced well last fall facing tougher in New Mexico and trainer Tim Gleason has him nicely spotted on this stretch out attempt. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Royal Creek Cat) - This will be start No. 12 for this 5-year-old gelding and he tends to race evenly no matter what the price or distance. Capable of grabbing another small share, but will need to step it up some for any chance of the win.