Top pick: #1 (SURFING U S A) (4-1) - Very lightly raced 4yo had a lot of promise in the early part of 2014. However, following a third place finish in the rich 'Tampa Bay Derby' (G2) a year ago, he was sent in for a 5-month layoff and hasn't been the same horse since returning. Formerly with Todd Pletcher, he's now under the care of Cal Lynch. Gelding raced wide & evenly at Laurel going 7-furlongs Jan. 29th in his first for Lynch and first in 4 1/2 months. Working nicely, barn stretches him out in distance, and he has the rail. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #3 (Worthy Lion) (3-1) - One of two entered by trainer Bob Reid, Jr., and the pair race uncoupled. Colt moves up in class after finishing second here going a mile for a $25K tag Feb. 28th. Nice effort came off a 80-day break, and this son of 'Lion Hearted' gives his best most every time.
3rd pick: #6 (Cleancut Kid) (2-1) - New York shipper is well bred & lightly raced. 5yo by 'Smart Strike' stretches out after finishing second at Aqueduct in a pair of sprints. Stalker is in shape and is in the small win mix.
4th pick: #4 (It's Time to Reign) (8-1) - Longshot races first off a Keith Lebarron claim and second off an 80-day freshening. He raced evenly while wide last out and was 8-lengths back of 'Worthy Lion.' He needs to do much better to be a threat.