Top pick: #1 (SWEET MIKE) (7-2) - Speedy sort has been competitive in all three starts and last out he finished third here at this level going 8.5 furlongs on Jan. 12. He had a tough outside post that day and this afternoon moves to the rail. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Batten the Hatches) (4-1) - Colt by "Stormy Atlantic" has gone (5-0-2-3) on the grass and has finished third in a pair of starts at this meet. Speed/stalker should be involved every step.
3rd pick: #3 (Middleburg) (12-1) - He was well-backed when debuting here Jan. 12 in the same last race as "Mike" and showed only a mild late rally. Trainer Chris Clement has worked him twice since and expect this home-bred by "Lemon Drop Kid" to run better today.
4th pick: #8 (Liberal Spin) (10-1) - No-speed type has drawn very difficult posts in all three appearances and last out finished 6th of 12, but was only 3 1/2 back of "Hatches" and is working fast for this.
5th pick: #12 (Kiton) (15-1) - Colt by "Bernardini" took some money when debuting here in a dirt sprint on Jan. 17 and has worked fast twice since. Trainer Liz Grey will move him to the turf and stretch him out in distance.