Top pick: #1 (IT IS LIVING WATER) (8-1) - Consistent sort moves up in class after a pair of back-to-back sharp efforts on the Santa Anita turf facing upper-level starter-allowance foes. Speed/stalker has the rail, is in career best form, and is working fast. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Fritz Johansen) (9-2) - Lightly raced gelding enters off a good looking maiden win going a mile on the Santa Anita grass June 28. By far a career best, he's improving quickly at this time and it's noted he defeated 'open' company in his maiden score. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #7 (Benba) (5-1) - Gelding has good early speed and is training fast for his first since late Nov. He's finished 2nd in 2 in 4 local starts and can be in this from start-to-finish if ready.
4th pick: #6 (Los Gatos) (8-1) - Colt is lightly raced and is another who broke his maiden last out at Santa Anita. Strong finisher has plenty of room for upside and should get a fast/and or contested pace to rally into.
5th pick: #3 (Global Magician) (6-1) - Stretch out sprinter is racing 2nd off a 8 1/2 month layoff and was competitive in his return going 6.5-furlongs.