Top pick: #5 (CLOSE TO THE VEST) - Has good stalking ability and he'll be returning today off almost a six-week layoff for the Carlos Martin barn. Trainer adds blinkers and drops him into a straight claimer for the first time. Lots of things point his way.
2nd pick: #1 (Southern Spirit) - Has the most speed, draws the rail, and will also go in a straight claimer for the first time. Lightly raced, he comes off a seven-week break for a barn (Ben Perkins Jr.) which has a fine 22% success rate off the short vacation.