Top pick: #1 (ROYAL ASCOT ZIP) (2-1) - Gelding is working well above average for his first since March 5 and first on the dirt. Claimed out of his debut in late January by Linda Rice for $35K, she has him in today for $20K. Has the rail and can take this with an alert start.
2nd pick: #6 (Thomas Knight) (4-1) - He's moving off the rail after being saddled with three inside posts in a row. Speed/stalker has gone 9-0-4-2 on the dirt and is a win candidate in this spot.
3rd pick: #7 (Heavy Hitter) (5-1) - Lightly-raced 4-year-old was sent hard last out from an inside post and held to finish third in his first off a Dave Jacobson claim. Well bet in both starts, gelding by 'Stormy Atlantic' must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #5 (Rick Ant) (5-2) - He's raced evenly in all three starts facing tougher since coming off a two month break in early April. Gelding is dropping in half and shortening up from an attempt going a mile May 22. Has a shot, but will be over-bet.