Top pick: #1 (CENTRAL BANKER) (5-1) - He's been freshened up since missing by a 1/2 length in late Dec. at Santa Anita in the (G1) "Malibu" stakes at this 7-furlong trip. Colt has trained impressively at the Fair Grounds all winter and strong finisher should get a fast and/or contested pace to rally into.
2nd pick: #6 (Sahara Sky) (2-1) - Another strong finisher, 6-year-old missed by a 1/2 length in this stakes a year ago and has an outstanding record at this distance 6-3-2-1. The fatser the pace the better his chances.
3rd pick: #5 (Strapping Groom) (4-1) - Veteran has gone 24-10-5-2 racing on real dirt and enters in career best form. He has a speed/stalking style and is a win candidate in a deep field.
4th pick: #4 (Dad's Caps) (12-1) - Clearly the main speed, lightly-raced colt 8-3-3-1 is in shape and will take them as far as he can. Dangerous if he gets an uncontested early lead.