Top pick: #8 (MR. VALENTINE) - Gulfstream shipper was competitive in all three starts there this past winter and did so on both turf and dirt facing "open" special weights. Freshened-up for the past 7 weeks, trainer Jay Servis wins at a 26% rate off of similar breaks and more importantly this 3-year-old runs today against fellow state-breds. The top pick.
2nd pick: #1 (Cortado) - Lots of positive changes as this gelding drops into a claimer, runs with blinkers on, draws the rail, and moves back in with state-breds after three straight facing "open" company. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #3 (Grandad Bud) - He finished a pace-pressing fourth at this level two back, then tired after chasing a quick pace last out against "open" special weights. Runs third off a 3 1/2 month break and can impact today at a big price.
4th pick: #2 (Fear Monger) - Debuting colt is in a good barn (Chris Grove) and is working fast at the trainer's hone-base of Bowie. Working fast and jockey J.D. Acosta makes the trip from Maryland with him.