Top pick: #5 (GROUND TRANSPORT) (8-1) - He ran well in the "Louisiana Derby"(G2) at the Fair Grounds March 30th in his first stakes attempt. Son of "Big Brown" has enough speed to stay close in this large field and hopefully avoid any traffic problems. Working fast, in a good barn (Mike Stidham) and he's the choice at a square price in a wide open contest.
2nd pick: #13 (Departing) (7-2) - He also comes out of the "Louisiana Derby"(G2) and he rallied while wide to finish third, 1 1/2 lenghts in front of "Transport." Talented, has a flexible style, is working fast, and trainer Al Stall Jr. adds lasix. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (Abraham) (8-1) - In the Pletcher barn, lightly-raced colt tired to finish third after being involved in a spirited pace-duel in the "Sunland Park Derby" (G3) on March 24th. Solid effort in his first facing winners and is early speed in this large field is a plus.
4th pick: #6 (Taken by the Storm) (15-1) - Longshot moves back to the dirt after tiring to finish fourth in the "Spiral" stakes (G3) run on the Turfway "poly" on March 23rd. Price play can factor with his best, and it's encouraging that jockey Alan Garcia is in for the ride.
5th pick: #4 (For Greater Glory) (15-1) - Strong finisher seems best on real dirt (4-1-2-1) and moves back to it after a pair of competitive tries on the Turfway "poly." He'll be closing fast.