Top pick: #6 (DRIVEN BY SOLAR) (2-1) - Veteran was claimed March 21 by trainer Jamie Ness for $25K and has been freshened up since. New barn wins at a 38% rate first off the claim, and at a 26% clip off of this type of layoff. He's brought back at the purchase price, has the best early speed, and a nice post to use it from.
2nd pick: #4 (Panthro) (3-1) - On the sidelines since April 5 of 2012, gelding has gone (6-2-0-2) and is two for four when facing fellow New York-breds. Working nicely for his return and trainer Michelle Nevin had him in training this past winter/spring at Gulfstream. Win candidate if ready.
3rd pick: #7 (Dr Disco) (5-1) - Veteran runs third back from a seven week break and will drop down and go from turf to dirt. Speed/stalker has beaten better in the past and has won on this surface before.
4th pick: #1 (Pearl of Wisdom) (8-1) - Gelding was in career best shape late in 2012, but has not been as sharp since returning from a seven week break on Feb. 15. However, he fits with these and his best start ever came at this distance on Nov. 2 at Aqueduct. Must be left in the mix.