Top pick: #7 (SHAARATT) - Home-bred by "Distorted Humor" from the fine Shadwell operation has been on the sidelines since Sept. 11 when she tired while racing wide in a turf sprint at Belmont Park. Working very fast for her return and she's in the barn of Kiaran McLaughlin. Ramon Dominguez gets aboard for the first time and he wins at a 38% clip when riding for the trainer. The top selection.
2nd pick: #4 (Roman Treasure) - Well-bet in her debut this $200,000 filly by "Roman Ruler" raced both "greenly" and evenly while finishing a close-up 4th. Trainer Mike Hushion adds blinkers this afternoon (a 30% winning move) and this 3-year-old should move forward enough to be a major threat.
3rd pick: #6 (Blues Heir) - Bet down to favoritism in her debut Nov. 20 at Monmouth she was away slowly from the gate and rallied while racing wide to finish second. She ran poorly here on Jan. 17 in her second start, but is working sharply and gets the addition of blinkers in this spot. Look for a much better effort from her today.
4th pick: #3 (Pleasant Pacific) - First time starter by "Stormy Atlantic" has some very fast drills on her work tab and noted speed rider C.C. Lopez is aboard. Trainer J.P. Terranova wins at a 14% clip with debuting stock and this filly is a dangerous rival if she breaks cleanly.