Top pick: #9 (POPPA LOVES MAMBO) (5-2) - Drops, goes turf-to-dirt, and runs first off a positive trainer change to Mike Maker (26% with new arrivals). Gelding has plenty of speed, is capable on the dirt, and draws a nice outside post at this 6.5 furlong trip.
2nd pick: #1 (Curve Ball) (7-2) - Lightly-raced gelding by "Tale of the Cat" was a sharp maiden winner here in late April when racing for a $16K tag and was claimed thst afternoon by the leading trainer at this meet (Dave Jacobson). New barn wins at a 27% rate first off the claim and this stalker draws the rail. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (The Mad Piper) (4-1) - He was an impressive gate-to-wire maiden winner on Aqueduct's winter surface on Jan. 29 and home-bred has been on the sidelines since. A sharp half-mile work on this surface June 6th indicates he's ready.
4th pick: #8 (Epic Legend) (12-1) - One of two entered by trainer gary Contessa and the pair race uncoupled. He raced evenly last out going a mile and has since comeback with back-to-back bullet works. Dangerous at long odds.