Top pick: #3 (SPORTSWRITER) (4-1) - One of two entered by leading trainer Dave Jacobson and the pair race uncoupled. This veteran gelding has a flexible running style and was beaten a "head" here at this level going 7.5-furlongs March 28th. Grey gelding has a solid shot at a square price.
2nd pick: #6 (Hay Shares) (2-1) - Lightly-raced and fast from the gate, gelding finished second at this level going 6-furlongs here March 23rd in first off a pair of layoffs. He's making back-to-back starts for the first time since last spring and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #7 (Won Great Classic) (3-1) - From the same barn (Linda Rice) as "Hay Shares," he's in shape and draws a nice outside post for this "flat" (one turn) mile. He's won nine times overall and has gone 6-1-2-0 on this surface. Must be left in the small win mix.
4th pick: #4 (Jade Run) (6-1) - The second of the Jacobson pair, he rallied mildly to finish a distant third when sprinting on a muddy surface March 31st. It was his first since late Nov., first for Jacobson, and he brings him back quickly and stretches him out in distance. A small slice would appear to be his ceiling.