Top pick: #3 (CHARITY REINS) (15-1) - Big longshot moves up in class and shortens up in distance in his second start off a 4 1/2 month layoff. He finished fifth of 10, beaten just under 3-lengths here facing 'open' $40K 2l claimers going 8.5-furlongs May 15. That should set him up well for this attempt, and he has a solid shot at a big price in a 'wide open' betting contest.
2nd pick: #5 (Archer Hill) (8-1) - Unraced since early Sept., stalker has done his best work on this course (5-1-1-2). He closed out his 2014 campaign by going 4-1-1-2, with three of those fine efforts coming here. Can threaten if ready.
3rd pick: #12 (Forever Utopia) (8-1) - It took him 19-starts to get his maiden win, but he's now won two in a row. Strong finisher seemed to lack the 'killer instinct' at 'crunch' time, but he always tried his best. Colt has run well on this course without winning (4-0-3-1), but is a better horse now.
4th pick: #6 (Birchwood Road) (3-1) - He ships from Gulfstream where he finished an even third facing $25K-optional claimers/nx1 allowance foes. Solid effort came off a 4 1/2 month layoff and was no more than a prep for this stakes. Grey gelding worked a bullet half-mile on the Palm Meadows turf course May 7 before shipping north.
5th pick: #4 (Latigo Trail) (15-1) - In a race lacking much early speed, this lightly raced could take them a long ways at a big price. Unraced since Oct. 13th, this 4yo by 'Freud' has gone 5-1-2-1 in grass sprints and is a threat if ready.