Top pick: #1 (FAST N'CLEAR) - Debuting daughter of "Songandaprayer" is working sharply, draws the rail, and is in one of best barns in the country (Wesley Ward) with first-time starters (currently 29%). Only drawback is the 10 lb.apprentice who is only riding in a race for the foourth time. His job is to break her sharply and hold on. Filly can beat this field of colts if away cleanly. Barn likes to scratch a lot if they don't like the situation, so be on the lookout for that possibility.
2nd pick: #7 (Man of the West) - He has a lot of early foot, but also a large range of physical problems by witness of his many layoffs. Runs in a claimer for the first time and also for Ed caramori for the first time. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (Coach Abs) - In a very good Chicago-based barn (Jim DiVito) he's training sharply for his first start since last Feb. He looks well-prepped for this come-backer.
4th pick: #9 (All West) - $360,000 gelding by "Gone West" has finished second or third in six of 15 starts and could rally enough to get another minor award.