Top pick: #1 (EMPOWER) (6-5) - The probable favorite, lightly-raced gelding is taking a big drop in class for his first since Jan. 19. Speed/stalker is working well, has the rail, and trainer Linda Rice wins at a 23% rate off of this type of layoff
2nd pick: #8 (No Nukes) (7-2) - He enters odd a second-place finish here at this level and distance Feb. 28. Stalker fits with his best and trainer (Gary Gullo)is having the best 6-months of his career.
3rd pick: #4 (Prime Time City) (12-1) - Speedy sort tired after setting a pressured pace and tiring in his latest. Grey gelding was 4 1/2 back of "No Nukes" that afternoon, but it was a positive effort in his second back from a seven month layoff. His early speed makes him dangerous.
4th pick: #3 (Winnitude) (10-1) - This is his 12th attempt at this 2l condition. Colt rallied to check in third last out and was only a 1/2 length behind "No Nukes." Can factor if that effort is repeatable.