Top pick: #7 (RED TESLA) (5-2) - He hasn't seen action in slightly more than a year, but had some promise at one time and trainer Bob Baffert has this 5-year-old working very fast for his return. When last in action he finished a close up third here at this level and he meets a weak field in his comebacker.
2nd pick: #8 (Jaco Red) (5-1) - Another returning from a lengthy absence (7 1/2 months) and home-bred is also working fast for his first on real dirt. Nice to see Bejarano stick with this one and he wins at a 23% clip when riding for trainer Marty Jones.
3rd pick: #5 (Celebrity Status) (9-2) - Nice debut here in an "off the turf" contest on Jan. 24 saw him set a quick and pressured pace before tiring late to run fourth of 10. Last out he did not break cleanly and tired after rushing up to contest the pace in a "down the hill" contest on Feb. 21.
4th pick: #2 (Dockweiler) (5-1) - Home-bred is working sharply for his debut and thaey've all come on this surface. Capable barn (Bruce Headley) has Gary Stevens aboard and if this gelding runs to his works, the others are in trouble.
5th pick: #1 (Russel's Run) (6-1) - He's been competitive in his first three starts, has a speed/stalking style, and draws the rail. Home-bred 4-year-old should be invoilved turning for home.