Top pick: #2 (BIGMIKEISTHEMAN) - Away for 13 1/2 months "Mike" was bet down to favoritism in his return here at this level 12 days ago and finished a strong second after being involved in a pace-duel from the get-go. Trainer Jerry Fanning has worked him since and will remove this gelding's blinkers today. The rail is his for the taking and he'll be tough to beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Melo Laser) - He's been competitive in all five starts, has good early speed, and although he's never raced on real dirt, the 4-year-old has trained nicely on it at San Luis Rey Downs. Dangerous runner.
3rd pick: #3 (Bryan Daniel) - He exits the same race as "Mike" and finished just over a length back of him and had some traffic issues that afternoon. Grey gelding by "Holy Bull" is a threat in this spot.