Top pick: #3 (BRIGAND) - He's been freshened up by trainer Bob Baffert since finishing 2nd at Aqueduct going a "flat" mile in the Jerome stakes(G2) facing "open" company on April 21st. That was his first race outside of California where he'd been competitive in several stakes. Working very fast on this surface, he'll be facing fellow New York-breds for the first time and holds a big class edge.
2nd pick: #6 (Willy Beamin) - One of two runners entered by trainer Rick Dutrow and the pair race uncoupled. Claimed out of a win at Aqueduct on March 23rd for $25K, gelding was given a 7 week break and has won both starst here since returning. Latest saw him rate early and make a very strong move to win going away by just over two lengths, stopping the clock in a nice 1:36 flat. That was just 4 days ago and Dutrow has done this quick turnaround move successfully in the past.