Top pick: #9 (LAKOTA FREUD) - He's one of two entered by trainer Linda Rice and the pair race uncoupled. Lightly raced grey 4yo by "Freud" has the best form showing (5-0-1-3), but all have come in grass sprints. Barn drops him into a claimer for the first time to go along with the switch to the dirt. He wisn this if he takes to the new surface.
2nd pick: #1 (Winning Pal) - The 2nd of the Rice duo, he has some speed, is lightly raced, draws the rail, and Cornelio Velasquez takes this runner over "Lakota", who he has ridden in all five outings.
3rd pick: #6 (Crushin Rock) - He cuts back in distance after tiring badly going a mile here facing "open" $16K maidens just 9 days ago. Runs 3rd back off a 3 1/2 month layoff and trainer Bruce Levine moves him back in with fellow New York-breds this afternoon. Price play.