Top pick: #1 (UNCLE SAM) - Speedy grey colt from the Baffert barn ships in for the local "Derby" and brings rider Marty Garcia with him. Both his wins have come on real dirt and last out he finished a close-up fourth at Del Mar in the $100K El Cajon S. in his first race in almost two months. Son of "Tapit" is working fast in Arcadia for this, draws the rail, and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #2 (Luckarack) - He had a "smashing" win here in a $50K stakes 13 days ago in his first off a claim by leading trainer Doug O'Neill. Consistent stalker is 3-for-4 on real dirt and is a serious win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Great Warrior) - In fine shape at present, this Brazilian-bred defeated "Sam" last out at Del Mar and has been competitive in all but one of his eight North American starts, and in that contest his saddle slipped. Stretch threat.