Top pick: #5 (BEYOND SMART) (9-5) - Augustin home-bred finished second in two of three starts last year in England and was brought back to the US late last year. Son of "Smart Strike" rallied to finish 4th of 12, beaten four lengths going 1 1/8th mile on the Keeneland turf April 24th. Race was his first in this country, first off a 5 1/2 month layoff, and he had a poor start and some early traffic woes that afternoon. He's worked fast since and Hall of Famer Jonathan Sheppard brings him back quickly, switches him from turf to "poly," and shortens him up in distance. The day's best bet.
2nd pick: #7 (Savings N Loan) (5-1) - Gelding has gone 7-0-1-3 racing on both dirt and turf, has some early speed, and makes his "poly" debut in his first race in two months. Exacta factor.
3rd pick: #6 (Jigger of Gin) (6-1) - Debuting filly takes on the boys off of some sharp works leading up to this. Daughter of "Albert the Great" is in a capable barn (Joe Martin) and is a threat if ready.
4th pick: #11 (O Wow) (8-1) - Stalker has yet to crack the exacta in nine lifetime starts but has finished third here in three of seven attempts. On the sidelines for 8 1/2 months, 4-year-old has been training steadily for his return and can grab a share if ready.
5th pick: #10 (Quiet Risk) (8-1) - He's finished second in both local starts and has not done well away from this surface. On the shelf since late October, he may get a minor award if breeder/owner/trainer Laurie Pratt has him in shape.