Top pick: #9 (MONTANA COWBOY) (3-1) - He's been freshened up since tiring badly in late Dec. facing tougher. Speedy sort is working fast, takes a big drop in class, and seems to do his best work when fresh. Well spotted by trainer Marty Wolfson and colt will be tough to beat on the lead.
2nd pick: #3 (Queequeg) (4-1) - He's from the same barn (Marty Wolfson) as "Montana Cowboy" and the pair race uncoupled. Nicely bred 4-year-old has raced evenly in both starts since returning off almost a two month break Jan. 19. Barn drops him into a straight claimer, moves him from turf to dirt, and brings him back in 11 days for this attempt.
3rd pick: #5 (Gombey Dancer) (9-2) - Gelding was never involved after some serious issues soon after the start racing here on Jan 19. It was his first in almost four months and he may have needed the race anyway. Dangerous from off the pace with a clean getaway.
4th pick: #2 (Hector's Cowboy) (15-1) - Lightly raced colt enters off an easy wire-to-wire winner here at this trip to get his maiden win Jan. 29. By far a career best and it's noted that he finished second to "Montana Cowboy" in late October. Can factor at long odds.