Top pick: #6 (PINOT NOIR) (3-1) - Lightly-raced filly ships back from the Fair Grounds where she was competitive in one of two starts facing tougher. She had finished third here in her previous race and that represented a career best. Good barn (Scott Gelner) drops her into a claimer for the first time and he adds blinkers. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Starrific Is Ours) (5-2) - She takes the same big drop as "Pinot Noir" and is racing for the first time since Dec. 31. When last in action she ran evenly while never involved in a $90K stakes at the Fair Grounds. She had finished second and third here in her previous pair at this level and is a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #7 (Angelof Gettysburg) (20-1) - Longshot is racing off a positive trainer change to Joe Foster. Home bred hasn't shown much to date, but the remainder of this field is weak or inexperienced. May grab a minor award at a big price.
4th pick: #1 (Irish Salute) (5-1) - Blinkers go on speed/stalker who finished second here at this tag and trip on Feb. 20. She has the rail and must be left in the mix.