Top pick: #4 (ROCK STAR CHARLIE) - Gelding has finished second in two straight, the latest coming here at this level and distance Jan. 8. Race was his first since losing by a neck at Finger Lakes on Oct. 13 and trainer Linda Rice has him making back to back starts for the first time. Dominguez is aloft on the re-ride and this 3-year-old will be tough in this spot.
2nd pick: #9 (Smokin Candy) - Strong finisher put in a strong late rally to finish second, beaten a length on Jan. 22 when trainer John Hertler dropped him into a claimer for the first time. Home-bred son of "Smoke Glacken" is an obvious win candidate.
3rd pick: #1 (Offshore Score) - Gelding by the speedy "Friendly Lover" showed some speed before tiring in his debut Jan. 22. Three-year-old was almost 8 lengths back of "Candy" at the wire, but normal 2nd out improvement should have him run better, and the rail post is a plus.