Top pick: #3 (OPTIMER) - Former stakes runner makes his second start back off almost a year's absence. He chased the pace in his return against tougher and tired while racing wide. Drops in class and he should improve in his second back. Richard Dutrow Jr. is calling the shots and Edgar Prado takes the re-ride. The pick.
2nd pick: #5 (High Ceiling) - Wide in his last against tougher, his two previous races produced wins at Calder just below this tag. Drops, and has a sharp work since his latest.
3rd pick: #11 (Don't Wait Too Long) - Stretch runner fits "snuggly" here returning from a two-month layoff. Spent most of last year running against tougher and had some very narrow defeats. Poor post(11) means he'll need some pace help, but the front-end here could be both fast/contested, aiding his cause. Late threat.
4th pick: #7 (Bang Bang Bang) - Colt has taken to the turf (3-2-1-0) and has been freshened-up by a good barn (Kiaran McLaughlin) with that tactic (25%). Stalker should receive a nice trip.
5th pick: #1 (Man Above) - The only entrant with a recent win on this course (Jan. 14). Returns quickly, has both speed/stalking ability, and draws the hedge. Price should be right.