Top pick: #6 (REAL HEAT) (5-2) - Although racing at the same level, I believe this gelding has run well against tougher fields in the past. All those were on the turf, but he's in shape and trainer Eric Kruljac has worked him twice on this surface and adds blinkers.
2nd pick: #3 (Volkonsky) (3-1) - Debuting 4-year-old has some very fast works at Santa Anita and has a dozen published drills dating back to early March. Trainer Don Warren has Bejarano signed on, and I think that's an indication that they like this gelding's chances.
3rd pick: #4 (Tricky Journey) (3-1) - He's almost 5 1/2 yrs old and has only started three times. That said, he's flashed good early speed in his last pair and runs off a 4 1/2 month layoff and a trainer change to Rich Baltas. Gelding has been working very fast on this surface and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #5 (Heat Flash) (6-1) - Abram's home-bred showed some life last out in his third start and goes turf to the "all weather" and moves from $75K "open" maidens in with state-bred special weights. The faster the pace, the better his chances.