Top pick: #4 (BE BULLISH) (7-2) - Quite a group assembled for this $85K stakes for New York-breds. The seven runners have won a combined 46 races and over $3,000,000. This veteran comes into this off a narrow defeat facing tough "open" company on April 19th and is nicely spotted by dave Jacobson. Stalker is (16-2-4-3) on wet track and last out was much closer to the pace than usual. Like his chances.
2nd pick: #6 (Fiddler's Afleet) (3-1) - Hard-hitter has always loved this surface (8-3-1-2) and he's 2-for-4 at this 7-furlong trip. In shape, working nicely, in a winning barn (Rudy Rodriguez), and very dangerous.
3rd pick: #3 (Johannesburg Smile) (9-5) - One of the most expense claims ever in New York, he was taken by Todd Pletcher for $100K on Jan. 4 on behalf of the Repole Stable. He's (3-0-1-1) since then and is working sharply for his first race since March 21st. He likes this surface (12-4-3-2) and he's 3-for-6 on wet tracks.
4th pick: #1 (Ground Force) (15-1) - Longshot races first off a Jay Servis claim (a 32% winning angle) and he comes off a career best when winning at Aqueduct on April 6th. Has the rail, fine early speed, and will take them as far as he can.