Top pick: #10 (NATURALISTE) - Runs first off a Doug O'Neill claim (16%) and this son of "Saint Liam" was well-backed in his debut and had a troubled trip that day. Working fast for his first since that Jan. 16th contest and he's the horse to beat this afternoon.
2nd pick: #7 (Nisus) - Much improved following a year's layoff, a trainer change, and a switch to racing on real dirt. Strong finisher should get a fast pace to rally into. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #9 (Cabo San Lucas) - He has blazing early speed and gets a major rider upgrade today to Pat Valenzuela. Capable on the fron-end, but he needs to do better in the last furlong.