Top pick: #1 (VICTORY ISLAND) (2-1) - Consistent sort (9-2-3-1) finished a solid second at Saratoga racing for a $20K tag. Claimed that day by Dave Jacobson, he brings her back just under the purchase price and she draws the ground saving rail. New barn is always sharp off the claim (26%) and I like her chances.
2nd pick: #8 (Talmadge Hill) (7-2) - Dangerous rival, speedy filly is working fast for her first race in two months. She drops in class, goes turf to dirt, and has run well on the main track in the past. Strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Caution Sign) (5-2) - Veteran mare runs second off an 85 day break and is another moving from grass to dirt. She made up a lot of ground in a Laurel turf sprint last out and that should set her up just fine for today's assignment.
4th pick: #5 (World Premier) (6-1) - No-speed type runs third back off a pair of layoffs and last out she was 2 1/2 back of "Island" after having some traffic issues at the break. Training fine for this and she would benefit if the pace was fast and/or contested.