Top pick: #8 (INTO THE FRAY) (5-2) - The leading trainer at the just concluded main-track meet (Dave Jacobson) looks to start the long "inner-dirt" season with this colt who just missed last out facing tougher. Steady speed/stalker drops, and a repeat of his last effort takes this.
2nd pick: #3 (Basalt) (6-1) - He's racing for his fourth different trainer in five starts and all have been top notch. Today he goes for Rudy Rodriguez (23% off the claim) and he brings him back with a confident boost in price. Has a flexible style and is in career best form.
3rd pick: #4 (Slash Five) (4-1) - He cost $325k early in 2011, but has his share of physical woes and trainer Todd Pletcher will drop him into a straight claiming race for the first time. Gelding has good early speed and should be involved every step.