Top pick: #6 (CHEROKEE QUEEN) - Veteran mare comes into this off an impressive win on this course when winning the Suwanee River Stakes (G3) on Feb.5th. Spee/stalker loves this surface (8-2-4-1) and this particular distance (8-2-3-1). Stalker shortens-up a bit but it shouldn't pose a problem. The hores to beat in a competitive contest.
2nd pick: #7 (Aviate) - Another who comes here from overseas as this English-bred by the top sire "Dansili" kept only the best of company in England, Ireland, and France. Now with "Hall of Famer" Bill Mott, she's training sharply at Payson Park for her first race since late October and is a threat if ready.
3rd pick: #1 (Justaroundmidnight) - Irish-bred daughter of the famous "Danehill Dancer" has a devastating late kick and rallied from far back to win the G3 Marshua's Dancer stakes on this surface on Jan.9th, then finished 8th of 8 when facing males last out in the G1 Gulfstream Park Turf Hdcp. Moves back in with her own sex and she'll be flying late.
4th pick: #8 (Never Retreat) - Very consistent mare finished a fast-closing 3rd in The Marshua's River on Jan.9th, then flew home to run 2nd last out to Cherokee Queen in the Suwanee River. Race 3rd back off a 70 day break and a fast pace would help her style out this afternoon.