Top pick: #7 (BARON VON RED) - The probable favorite, he finished third last out after setting a swift pace until the last 1/16th when he bagan to weaken. Race was his best since coming back from an 8 1/2 month layoff on Dec. 1 and he has a pair of fast works since that effort. Draws a nice outside post and is the horse to beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Stonewall Jackson) - Longshot has shown little to date, but they've all come facing tougher. $150,000 gelding by "Rock hard Ten" runs off a 65-day break and trainer Ron Ellis will drop him into a claimer and add blinkers, both for the first time. Can factor at a big price.
3rd pick: #5 (Two Parts) - He's one of a trio of first time starters entered and he's been working both steadily and above average for the past two months. In the capable barn of Rick Mandella, and a threat if ready.