Top pick: #1 (A TOE BY THREE) - Speedy gelding was scratched out of an opening day grass sprint by trainer Pete Miller to await this spot. 3-year-old has finished third in a pair of 6-furlong races at this level going 6 furlongs at Hollywood park June 24th. Runs third off a 7 1/2 month layoff, he draws the rail and shortens up to 5 furlongs. The horse to beat, he's one of two entered by the barn and they race uncoupled.
2nd pick: #5 (Bling Cha Bling) - Lightly-raced grey colt was an easy maiden winner in Dec. at Hollywood Park in what was his first ever on the grass. Freshened-up since, he's working fast for his return and is in an under-rated barn (Kathy Walsh).
3rd pick: #3 (Red Defense) - He's won 4-of-10 racing on the turf, but all have come going farther. Strong finisher should get a strong pace to rally into and is a stretch threat.