Top pick: #7 (WEALTHY AVIATOR) - California shipper finished third in a small stakes at Fairplex last fall in his only previous start on real dirt and is working nicely since shipping east and new trainer Mike Trombetta will drop him into a claimer this afternoon. Speed/stalker has ability, was in good shape at Golden Gate before coming cross country and can win this with his best.
2nd pick: #6 (Tatao's Wildcat) - Recent winner at Philly Park in a starter-allowances ships back up for the Rick Dutrow barn and has improved noticeably since he was claimed in early Dec. Stalker drops back into a claimer and is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #2 (Valid Ocean Pass) - Makes his first start off a John Parisella claim and a subsequent 2 1/2 month layoff. Gelding has run well in all four of his starts and has displayed good positional speed each time. Parisella at one time was very good at the claiming game, and its good to see Dominquez ride this 3yo this afternoon.