Top pick: #3 (DEREK FEVER) (9-5) - Colt has finished second in five of his last six starts and lost his rider at the break in the other contest. Speed/stalker ran second here last out and did so facing 'open' company. Trainer Sam Breaux has him back in with fellow La.-breds and is adding blinkers for the first time.
2nd pick: #1 (Direct Fever) (4-1) - He's been on the sidelines since late August when he finished fourth of 12, beaten 2 lengths when debuting here at this level. In a good barn, 3-year-old draws the rail and is a strong win candidate if ready.
3rd pick: #7 (Wow Wow Rooster) (6-1) - Speedy sort comes off a third-place finish here at this level and distance April 23. $40K yearling purchase has a nice post to shoot to the lead and must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #6 (Beauregard Sopo) (7-2) - He was 3-lengths back of 'Derek' here April 9 in a good effort. Home bred has gone 3-0-1-2 since returning from almost a 3-month layoff on Feb 7. Lightly-raced and he still has room for upside.