Top pick: #7 (SURFING U S A) - One time much classier gelding is racing second back off a series of layoffs. 4yo by 'Roman Ruler' was in the barn of Todd Pletcher until recently and is now with Cathal Lynch. Once considered a 'Kentucky Derby' contender, he hasn't been the same since finishing third in the "Tampa Bay Derby'(G2) in early March of 2014. He tired last out at Laurel going 7-furlongs, and Lynch will stretch him out in distance today. Looks set for a big effort.
2nd pick: #4 (Behr in the Woods) - Lightly raced Jersey bred enters off a pair of even efforts here at this level. They came following a Bob Reid, Jr. claim, and his latest on Jan. 12th produced a career best 'figure.' Win candidate at a square price.
3rd pick: #1 (Yo Berbs) - Speedy sort ships back from Penn National where he ran evenly in a 6-furlong sprint at this level on Feb. 11th. Good barn (Marc Zulueta) stretches him back out, and this gelding breaks from the rail. Dangerous if he gets an easy early lead.
4th pick: #3 (West Ender) - Strong finisher rallied to finish second at Penn National on Jan. 10th facing state-bred allowance opposition. He's gone 4-1-2-0 since October and should get a fast and/or contested pace to close into.