Top pick: #3 (OSIDY CAT) (9-2) - Gelding has been freshened up since April 23. He finished second here at this tag and trip that evening in his first ever at this $7,500 claiming tag. Gets a slight edge in a tough race.
2nd pick: #7 (Blame It On Texas) (6-1) - Grey gelding is dropping way down in class for this attempt. He has early speed and at this greatly reduced level, he's a strong win candidate.
3rd pick: #1 (Mr Shad) (10-1) - He's finished second in three of his last six starts. Bred/owned/trained by Gerard Perron, he's dropping down to a new low and has a ground saving post. The faster the pace, the better his prospects.
4th pick: #10 (Royal's Nightmare) (7-2) - He's gone 5-0-2-3 since late February and is 3-0-1-2 locally at this level. Stalker moves out in the gate after a pair of defeats as the favorite. Must be left in the mix.
5th pick: #5 (Mendocino County) (12-1) - Well bred and in a good barn (Brett Brinkman), he's racing second off a 2 1/2 month freshening and is taking a big drop in class. Whatever talent he has will show against this group.