Top pick: #4 (DAWLY) (5-2) - Veteran is racing first off a Marty Wolfson claim. Eleven-time winner ran evenly following a troubled start to finish fourth here facing tougher the day he was claimed. Nicely spotted by the new barn, he has an excellent record at this distance 5-3-1-0.
2nd pick: #1 (Eriugena) (8-5) - Powerful stretch runner has been freshened up since finishing fourth here in a $200K stakes on Claiming Crown Day (Dec. 4). Working fast since, trainer Mike Maker drops him in class. Has the rail, he's a strong win candidate and should be viewed as the equal of "Dawly."
3rd pick: #5 (Tarpy's Goal) (10-1) - He's won 7 of 18 overall on the dirt and is 3 for 7 locally. He was almost 10 lengths back of "Dawly" last out but has been working sharply since. Capable of impacting at long odds with his best.
4th pick: #3 (Megamour) (8-1) - He has a bit of early speed and some back class. Gelding's career has been marked by many layoffs, but when in shape his ability to break quickly has led to some big efforts.