Top pick: #7 (ARCHITOP) (3-1) - Gelding is dropping into a claimer for the first time and does so with the addition of blinkers from 'Hall of Famer' Rick Mandella. He tired last out after being involved in a pace-duel May 24 at this mile trip facing special weights. He had been much sharper in his first pair and is working fast for this attempt. Trainer Mandella has won with 3 of his last 8 maidens taking this drop.
2nd pick: #4 (Big Discovery) (7-2) - Gelding ships back from Golden Gate Fields where he finished 2nd as the favorite facing special weights going 8.5-furlongs on the grass June 5. Home bred had also run 2nd when debuting here April 18 for a $50K tag. Strong finisher runs today off a private trainer change to Tim Yakteen. Stretch threat.
3rd pick: #6 (Sir Irish Danny) (12-1) - Longshot is racing 2nd off a Doug O'Neill claim and almost a 2-month freshening. Well backed in both starts, he's working above average and has blinkers added for this stretch out in distance.
4th pick: #2 (Larry Birdstone) (5-2) - The morning line favorite, he's stretching out to a mile after a pair of 4th place finishes here going 6.5-furlongs. Stalker missed by a 'nose' in both previous races at this trip on the dirt, so the added yardage on the grass is a plus. In the mix.