Top pick: #5 (MALAGA COVE) - Probably best when he finished fourth here Apr. 29th, he disappointed last out when he came up "short" racing at this price and distance a month ago. Lightly-raced son of "Thunder Gulch" can win this with just a bit of improvement off his latest.
2nd pick: #4 (Slews Dark Knight) - Working fast at Santa Anita for his first start since Apr. 10th, a good small barn (Neil French) has him spotted nicely and names Bejarano to ride and he's won with three of his last eight for the trainer. Four-year-old has some speed and should be in this from start to finish.
3rd pick: #8 (Point Mugu) - Strong effort last out saw him rally to finish second at this price going 7 furlongs. Race was his first in blinkers and trainer Neil Drysdale will stretch him out in distance as he runs third back off a eight month layoff. A win candidate.
4th pick: #10 (Coal Region Kid) - Lightly-raced 5-year-old ran evenly facing tougher here May 8th when he sprinted for $30K. Effort was his first in just over two years and trainer Bob Hess Jr. has given him a bit of time to recover. Stretches out, drops a bit, but loses Bejarano to Slews Dark Knight. Can factor with some improvement.