Top pick: #1 (AFRICAN KING) - He enters this in the best form of his life and is still improving. He seeks his fourth in a row and has won six of his last seven starts. Has the rail and a flexible style and probably beat a tougher horse last out ("Cavallo Pazzo") than he meets here. The top choice and the prospect of an "off" track only enhances his chances.
2nd pick: #4 (Big Push) - Speedball has won on dirt, turf, and "poly" during his 13-race career. Capable of competing here and he's been working well at his trainer's (Steve Klesaris's) home base of Fair Hill in Maryland. Win candidate.