Top pick: #1 (MAXWELL'S HAMMER) (2-1) - He's finished second in three straight local attempts going around two-turns. In shape, trainer Ramon Preciado cuts him back in distance for this attempt. Has the rail, off track experience, and he gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #8 (American Soldier) (5-2) - Un-raced since his debut last Nov at Aqueduct. Son of 'Pioneer of the Nile' was bet down to favoritism that afternoon but raced evenly in a strong small group. Trainer Tony Dutrow wins at a 24% rate second time out and at a 25% clip off of long layoffs. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Arecibo) (8-1) - On the sidelines since early Nov, he's working well locally and is racing with blinkers on. Colt by 'Congrats' is in a winning barn (John Servis) and can factor at a big price if ready.
4th pick: #6 (Uncle Hen) (4-1) - Colt was claimed in late Nov. at Churchill Downs by trainer Ed Lehman for $30K. On the sidelines since, 3-year-old has some impressive local works on view. The latest of those was a bullet 5-furlong gate breeze May 24th. In the mix if in racing shape.