Top pick: #5 (DEFEND) (6-1) - He ran second here at this level on Jan. 30 in his best start since coming off a 6 1/2 month layoff Dec. 13. One-run type has done well on this surface in the past (9-2-2-1) and has back class to call upon.
2nd pick: #3 (Dixie Deputy) (3-1) - Colt was a winner here at this tag on Feb. 2 as he cleared the 2l condition. Race was his first off a Jamie Ness claim and the high-percentage trainer brings him back quickly for this attempt.
3rd pick: #4 (Baffoonery) (5-2) - All three of his wins have come on artificial surfaces, but gelding did run well here Dec. 21 on this surface for twice this price. Speed/stalker is working nicely for this and trainer Pete Walder cuts his price in half.
4th pick: #9 (Mr. d'Oro) (12-1) - Longshot Runs third back off a two month break and first off a Lou Duco claim (13%). He raced evenly last out facing a bit tougher and in his previous start he was an impressive local winner for 1/2 this tag to clear the 2l condition. Can factor, but his outside post hurts his chances a bit.