Top pick: #9 (COOPER RIVER) - He ships back from Laurel after a near miss there in an entry-level allowance facing "open" foes. In a very good mid-Atlantic based barn (Hugh McMahon), colt finished a close-up fourth here in his previous start when he raced at this level and distance. Ready to win.
2nd pick: #5 (Fortitude) - He defeated weaker $15K claimers on Dec. 14, then finished an even third at this level and distance two weeks ago. Veteran has a flexible style and should be involved from gate to wire.
3rd pick: #2 (So Scott) - Lightly-raced gelding by "More Than Ready" rallied to finish third her at this level last out and in doing so he was a "nose" better than "Cooper". He had a tough post that day in his first race off an 11 month break, and should be sharper this afternoon.