Top pick: #3 (BAATESH) - $400,000 son of "Pulpit" has finished second in two of his last three starts after coming back from a 85-day break in late Dec. Colt has a flexible style and it looks like graduation for this McLaughlin trained 4-year-old.
2nd pick: #1 (Lloydobler) - Stalker has the rail and has been competitive in all three starts since dropping down to this price. Gelding by "Smarty Jones" has a sharp work a week ago and he's a win candidate in this spot.
3rd pick: #9 (Wild Hero) - Training fast for his first race since Jan. 30 and first off a trainer change to Charlton Baker. Has speed, shortens-up today, and runs in a claimer for the first time. Don't just dismiss.
4th pick: #4 (Haystack Needle) - Lightly raced 3-year-old finished second last out in a small field facing slightly tougher and will be tackling older runners for the first time. Needs to improve some for a shot at the win.