Top pick: #8 (MAHFOUZ) - Nicely-bred gelding ran a career best here last out at this distance and it appears that trainer Rudy Rodriguez has raced this $160K 5-year-old by "Forest Wildcat" into shape following almost a 22 month absence. On Feb. 16 he chased the pace of a "long gone" winner and easily held down the place spot. The horse that won that afternoon came right back to take another.
2nd pick: #2 (War Hitch) - Claimed two back by trainer Gary Contessa for $20K, colt by "War Front" had a poor break and tired after chasing the pace facing $35K foes in his first for the new barn. Drops well under the purchase price today and is a threat.
3rd pick: #10 (Seawalker) - He continues to disappoint, but will drop slightly in price, cut back in distance, and run with his blinkers removed after a two-race experiment.
4th pick: #3 (Cool Component) - First time starter is working nicely for his debut and trainer Dom Galluscio can have one ready at times. His half-mile gate work on Feb. 5 indicates that he has some early speed.