Top pick: #9 (WE MISS ANTHONY) (3-) - "Anthony" enters off a career best when he pressed a quick pace and held to finish second here at this level on Feb. 7. It was his first since Dec. 23 and this well bred colt gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #1 (Island Cat & 1a-Ima Wildcat) (5-2) - "Cat" tired after being involved in a quick pace when debuting in the same last race as "Anthony." He tired during the stretch run while not under any pressure. Home bred should improve enough to contend. "Wildcat" is coupled with "Cat" and is working very fast for his first since late August at Monmouth. He showed high early speed in both starts last summer and is a strong win candidate if he runs.
3rd pick: #8 (Elcinico) (6-1) - He rallied to finish second at this level on Dec. 2. Four weeks later he tired after setting a pressured pace. Not sure why they changed tactics with him, but he can factor if they let him make one run.
4th pick: #4 (The Catmancan) (7-2) - New York shipper finished second when debuting at Aqu., going a mile Nov. 29. He showed little in a follow up race on Jan. 11. Barn is sprinting him for the first time and he'll need to rally from far off the pace.