Top pick: #8 (SURROUND SOUND) - Monmouth shipper was nailed in the final stride there just five days ago and is brought back on short notice by a trainer (Juan Serey) who is having a resurgent meet in new Jersey. Veteran filly has run well on this surface in the past, has fine early speed, and is the choice at a square price.
2nd pick: #9 (Perfect Embrace) - Mare races second off a Gary Gullo claim and will drop back down and go turf to dirt in this spot. The day she was claimed here (May 6th) she finished third racing for $20K after being involved in a pace-duel through fast fractions and in her first for Gullo grey 5-year-old raced evenly going a mile on the grass. Speed/stalker should be in this from start to finish.
3rd pick: #3 (Jardenia) - Mare won here at this price and trip on a sloppy surface May 3rd and has been freshened up for the past 7 weeks by trainer Mike Maker. Consistent speed/stalker has a fine local half-mile breeze on the June 16th and looks set for this attempt.