Top pick: #1 (JOHN'S CROSS) (7-2) - Stretch runner rallied to finish second in his debut, but has not repeated that effort in three subsequent starts. All of those came against Special Weights, and trainer Phil Aristone will drop him into a claimer for the first time. Freshened up for the past two months, he's working steadily, meets a weak group, and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Bennie Luke) (4-1) - Speed/stalker has been competitive in five of six starts at this level racing over various distances. In shape, and he's moving back in with fellow state breds. That led to a career best two back when he finished second. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #8 (Seeking the Palace) (6-1) - He was "pulled up" just two days ago when his reins broke heading into the first turn. He has early speed and may last for a share at a square price.
4th pick: #7 (Fasque) (8-1) - Lightly raced colt has a bit of speed, but has lost ground during the stretch run in all four starts. May get a minor award, but he needs to do much better for anything more than that.