Top pick: #5 (SWEETSOUTHERNSON) - Drops off a seven-week layoff for trainer Joe Orseno. Speed/stalker has several "long" works that should have him dead-fit for this attempt. Looms large over this field if ready for his best.
2nd pick: #7 (Fly With The Wind) - Late runner scored at this distance when dropped down to a $10K price on Jan. 8. Race was the best last out of any entered, and a repeat would make him tough.
3rd pick: #2 (Bandit Nailhead) - Veteran won here at this tag going a "flat" mile on Jan. 18. Race was his first off a much needed 7 week break following a busy '08 season. He's fond of the distance (7-1-3-2).