Top pick: #4 (FOOT THE BILL) - Barn (Wesley Ward) specializes with these type's of maidens and is also very adept off of long range layoffs. Gelding hasn't seen action since April of '09 when he showed good speed in a pair facing "open" maidens. Working fast for this attempt he'll also be facing fellow state-breds for the first time. Looks all set.
2nd pick: #5 (Eager Leader) - Daughter of "More Than Ready" drops, runs third off a long layoff, and will face males this afternoon. Her trainer (Linda Rice) doesn't mid racing fillies against males and this field is a bit "light" on talent. Has a solid shot from just off the pace.
3rd pick: #1 (Thundering Roar ) - He improved last out to finish a rallying third at this level in his first appearance in a claimer. Has the rail and gelding should be bearing down on the leaders late.