Top pick: #5 (SUMMER COVE) (7-2) - Gelding is racing for the first time since Feb. 1 when he finished third on the Gulfstream grass going longer and facing better. Working well for his return, trainer Kiaran Mclaughlin drops him into a claimer for the first time, moves him from turf-to-dirt, and shortens him up in distance. Three-year-old cost Darley $350K as a yearling and should beat these with his best.
2nd pick: #1 (Cost Affective) (3-1) - Colt has been a maiden a long time, but has been competitive in most and is 11-0-3-4 when racing on the dirt and all have come facing special weights. Stalker has the rail and 4-year-old son of "Officer" is another dropping in for a tag for the first time.
3rd pick: #3 (Rich 'n' Tuck) (4-1) - Son of "Dixie Union" takes the same drop as both "Cove" and "Cost" and he's shown some speed in three of his four starts. Colt had a sharp work on the Saratoga training track a week ago and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #7 (Cashmere Cat) (3-1) - He's racing third back off a 4 1/2 month layoff and was competitive in his return effort. Colt raced evenly in his latest after a troubled break and is a factor with an alert getaway.