Top pick: #2 (MISTER THAYER) - He finished second last fall at Hawthorne in his first attempt at a "route" and races today second off a two-month layoff. His return run on the grass should set him up well for this and that race is a "toss" because of the post (12 of 12) he had that day. Trainer Dave Kassen drops him into a claimer and he's the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Exposed Image) - He also goes turf to dirt and last out he rallied strongly to finish third, racing for $35K in his first off a Dave Vivian claim. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Well Excuuuze Me) - Probable favorite finished a "troubled" third last out going a mile here racing for $45K. Runs second off almost a three month layoff, drops in price, and tries two-turns today. Win candidate, but at small odds.