Top pick: #7 (TIME OUT OF MIND) (8-1) - He's one of two entered by the 'hot' barn of Wesley Ward, and the pair race uncoupled. Gelding tired last out at this level and distance after being sent hard from an inside draw. He moves out in the gate and is racing third off a 7-month layoff. A solid price play.
2nd pick: #5 (Kutschman) (7-2) - The probable favorite, he comes off a career best when he missed by a 'neck' racing here at this tag & trip Jan. 25th. Clearly improved since switching to the turf, and a win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (Gram) (6-1) - He exits the same last race as 'Kutschman' and was 2 1/2 lengths back of him at the finish. A career best, it was his first ever on the grass. Must be left under consideration.
4th pick: #1 (Letshaveacocktail) (12-1) - Longshot has the rail and some early speed. He's dropping in class, going dirt to turf, and is racing third back off a five month layoff. May be competitive at a very big price.
5th pick: #11 (Moonshine Sipper) (5-1) - The second of the Ward pair, he hasn't raced since debuting here in late April. Bard does well off of long layoffs (26%), but this home bred will need to be sharp this afternoon.