Top pick: #7 (HUSHHUSHMUSHMUSH) (2-1) - Long time maiden is racing for the first time since Dec. 10th and off a private trainer change to Rudy Rodriguez. New barn has him working steadily and drops him to a new low in claiming price. Rodriguez wins at a 29% rate with new arrivals, and this gelding can get to the winner's circle this afternoon.
2nd pick: #4 (Ride of Your Life) (9-2) - Well bred 4yo hasn't raced since June 4 when he tired facing tougher on the Belmont Park grass. Training fine for his return, they move him to the dirt, and drop him to a new low. A strong factor if ready.
3rd pick: #5 (Sir Maurice) (15-1) - He's racing second back from a lengthy absence. Away for five months, he went evenly in his return going 6-furlongs Jan. 17th. 5yo has stalking ability, and most of his best efforts have come on this inner surface (7-0-2-2).
4th pick: #2 (Fictional Character) (5-2) - Gelding enters in good form, and last out finished a very distant second at this level and distance. He breaks jut off the rail and must be left in the mix.