Top pick: #3 (LAKOTA FREUD) (5-2) - Thought he received a rather poor ride last out when he was the beaten favorite racing here at this tag and trip. Grey gelding had a troubled start, raced wide, and that his jockey waited a bit too long before asking him for his best. Race was his first back from a 5 1/2 month layoff and trainer Rudy Rodriguez gives him a positive rider change.
2nd pick: #6 (Hoboken Joe) (6-1) - Well-bet when debuting on a muddy track at Aqu. on April 13th, he tired after rushing up into the pace-picture after hitting the gate at the start. Claimed that day by Dave Jacobson for $25K, new barn switches him to the grass and brings him back at the purchase price. Trainer wins at a 25% clip first off the claim and this field is a bit weak for the tag.
3rd pick: #8 (Here Comes Drz) (9-2) - He was competitive this past winter at Gulfstream facing $30K-$35K "open" maidens, and when last in New York he had finished second in 3-of-5 starts dating back to last summer/fall. Contends today.
4th pick: #1 (Funky Cat) (5-1) - He's part of a Leo O'Brien trained entry with #1a "Slimshady" and he has different riders listed on both halves. The more talented of the pair, this gelding by "Tale of the Cat" raced evenly here last out facing tougher going a mile. Barn drops him into a claimer for the first time, shortens him up in distance, and he draws the rail.