Top pick: #4 (SATURDAY STORMS) (2-1) - Filly has improved noticeably since being claimed by Ramon Preciado last Nov. at Churchill for $15K. She's gone 4-3-1-0 since then with all of those starts coming here in sprints. In shape, working fast, and she has a recency edge on her top opponent.
2nd pick: #2 (Irish Lute) (9-5) - The probable favorite, she's been stakes placed many times, but is returning from her second consecutive long layoff. Daughter of 'Midnight Lute' hasn't raced in 12 1/2 months and ran very poorly that day in her first off a 6 1/2 month break. Working steadily at Belmont, home bred runs off a private trainer change to Chris Clement (19% with new arrivals), and 26% off of long absences.
3rd pick: #5 (Neo's Grand Finale) (5-1) - Veteran has finished first or second in 24 of 48 lifetime starts. Strong finisher was an easy winner here for a $16K tag April 27. A career best overall, she was claimed that afternoon by Tim Shaw. He brings her back quickly and moves her up in class. Very dangerous if she holds her form, and especially so if 'Irish Lute' isn't sharp in her return to action.