Top pick: #5 (SAFARI SAMBA) (3-1) - Colt is one of two entered by trainer Rudy Rodriguez, and the pair race uncoupled. $120K yearling didn't show much when debuting here on Nov. 3rd and has been on the sidelines since. Drops, is working fast, and he runs with blinkers on.
2nd pick: #1 (Giulio Cesare) (7-2) - Gelding has been sharp in all three starts when racing "tagged" and finished third here at this level on April 19. He has some speed, draws the rail, and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Imvros) (4-1) - The second of the Rodriguez pair, he debuts off of a steady series of local works. Home-bred by "City Zip" has Irad Ortiz aboard, and the trainer/jockey combo wins at a 28% clip when teamed up.
4th pick: #8 (Really B Cat) (10-1) - Colt showed nothing last out facing state-bred special weights in his first off a Linda Rice claim. Barn brings him back quickly and drops him back down to the claimed price. Can factor from off the pace.