Top pick: #2 (CROWN OF THORNS) - Lightly raced and very talented he obviously has some problems as he's almost 6yrs.old and will be starting for only the 8th time. That said, he just missed last out in the G1 "Pat O'Brien" going 7 furlongs at Del Mar in his first back off a 9 month layoff. Training well locally for this he'll be stretched-out around two-turns today by trainer Rick Mandella. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Twirling Candy) - Fast and talented 3yr.old takes a big step up as he' tries older runners for the first time in his career. Undefeated colt has a flexible style and it's of note that jockey Mike Smith takes the mount over Richard's Kids whom he won a $1,000,000, race on last out. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Crowded House) - English import returns here after a fine effort last out at Woodbine in a G1 stakes. Strong finisher won on a synthetic surface in England and will be trying another today. The faster the pace, the better his chances.