Top pick: #3 (MARGIN) (5-2) - Well bred gelding was an easy winner as the heavy favorite here on Feb. 1. Making his local debut, he went gate-to-wire facing $7500 2l foes. Claimed that day by trainer Heather Hollahan (two for her last eight off the claim), he does not need the lead to run well and that flexibility is a big plus.
2nd pick: #1 (Master Yank) (8-5) - The probable favorite, he has the best early speed and is breaking from the rail. He just failed to hold on here at this level on Feb. 7. In shape and a strong win candidate in this spot.
3rd pick: #7 (Hanky Doodle) (4-1) - Veteran has been at this 3l condition a very long time. However, many of those winless starts have come against tougher. He's racing second back off a seven week freshening, dropping in class, and stretching out in distance. The faster the pace, the better his chances.