( # 5) KAPER LAKE - Drops into a claimer, goes long to short, and makes his third start off a ten-month layoff. Looks well set up by trainer Dan Peitz, who is a much better conditioner than his record indicates.

(# 3) Pay in Kind - He also goes third off a lengthy absence, and improved noticeably in the second start back. Very dangerous opponent.

(#'s 1 and 1A) Last Train Babe and Salzburg - We'll take either of this Richard Dutrow entry as our third pick. "Last Train Babe" ran in two very tough straight-maiden races last winter, and was well bet in both. "Salzburg" has been freshened up since his initial pair of starts this past summer at Monmouth and Saratoga.

(# 4) Sobrino - Makes his East Coast debut for trainer Bruce Levine after beginning his career in So. Cal. in a good barn (Vlad Cerin). Trainer has done well with these transplants before.