Top pick: #1 (MANI BHAVAN) - Major stakes winner last year is making her second start back off a 7 1/2 month layoff from trainer Steve Klesaris. She chased a fast pace in her return and tired badly turning for home. Sophomore has come back with an extremely fast work since, so maybe she just needed the race. This is an easier spot and she looks on edge. The top pick. Coupled in the wagering with "Malibu Beach".
2nd pick: #5 (Reforestation) - Much improved daughter of "Forestry" has won her last pair and has done so in rather easy fashion. Likes the surface and continues to do good work in the mornings. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Speculation) - Has some finishing kick and has a pair of wins on this surface. Well-bred filly cost $475,000 at auction, is in a solid barn (Jim Bond), and is a threat if a fast/contested pace takes shape.