Top pick: #2 (CALL THE BALL) - Much improved since a claim by Rudy Rodriguez Dec. 17, gelding was an easy maiden winner in his first start for the new barn and then came back to finish third in a high-end starter allowance a month later. Comes here in shape, has a flexible style, and is the choice for the win.
2nd pick: #5 (Sortano) - Much improved since coming here from Canada late last year he was a very impressive maiden winner on this surface Feb. 21 as he went right to the front, set a solid pace, and draw off to a 10-length win. Race was his best ever and his barn has him spotted well in his first start facing winners. Win candidate.