Top pick: #5 (CANTONA) (7-2) - One of a pair entered by trainer Patty Farro and the two veteran geldings race uncoupled. This strong finisher just missed at this level and distance Jan. 6, then lost his rider at the start in his latest. Cal.-bred should get a solid pace to rally into if all go and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #6 (Merry's Very Won) (8-1) - Speedy sort raced evenly here sprinting at this level on Feb. 11 in his first since Nov. 3. Trainer Kate DeMasi stretches him out and has him making back-to-back starts for the first time since early fall. More than capable with his best.
3rd pick: #7 (James Lee) (3-1) - The second of the Farro veterans, he stretches out after rallying to finish fourth here at this level going 6-furlongs on Feb. 11. it was his first in 75 days and this 5-year-old Pa.-bred likes this trip 5-1-2-1. Strong factor today.
4th pick: #8 (Turbin) (6-1) - In career best shape at present, he's gon3 5-3-1-0 since being claimed in late August and this hard-hitter is in the mix.
5th pick: #2 (Special Congrats) (6-1) - Consistent sort always brings his best but needs to do better during the stretch run for anything more than a minor award.