Top pick: #5 (GOLDEN PUNCH) (3-1) - Grey gelding runs second back off an eight week break, and he showed fine early speed and held gamely to finish third here at this level and distance in his return effort. He's worked fast twice since, and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #1 (Primal Love) (5-1) - Speed/stalker rallied late to finish 1 1/2 lengths in front of "Primal Love" last out in what was his first facing winners. It was a career best, and this lightly raced 4yo still has room for upside.
3rd pick: #6 (Time for Spring) (6-1) - He races first off a Mike Pino claim (29%), and a subsequent two month break. Strong finisher should get a fast and/or contested pace to rally into, and is a stretch threat.
4th pick: #9 (Metro) (10-1) - Lightly raced and well-bred, he was claimed out of his maiden win on the Belmont turf by Keith Lebarron for $16K, and will be facing fellow Pa-breds for the first time since his debut at Prtesque Isle on Aug. 2nd of 2012. Dangerous at a nice price.
5th pick: #7 (Tek) (5-1) - He hasn't seen action since getting his maiden win on this surface Nov. 4th of 2012. Working fine, he's one of two entered by trainer Cathal Lynch, and the pair race uncoupled. Can factor if ready.