Top pick: #5 (PERCUSSION) (7-2) - He's one of two entered by trainer Todd Pletcher, and the pair race uncoupled. Speed/stalker enters in career best shape and his outside post in this small field gives jockey John Velazquez some early options. The early pace picture of this small stakes will determine the outcome. Like his chances.
2nd pick: #4 (Bird Run) (5-1) - At one time this speedy veteran would have been a short price in this field, but he hasn't raced in 11 months and was not in good form at that time. However, he's working sharply for this and trainer Bill Mott is one of the "best in the business' (26%) off of long layoffs.
3rd pick: #1 (Fast Falcon) (8-5) - The probable favorite, strong finisher just missed in last year's $1M "Travers"(G1) and was also beaten narrowly in the (G2) "Dwyer" on this surface. However, he still only has one win on his resume and will need some pace help to be effective this afternoon.