Top pick: #3 (BABY BLAKE) - Lightly-raced son of "Lion Heart" raced evenly here in a 6 furlong dirt sprint at this level just eight days ago. Appearance was his first since missing here by a nose at this distance and condition on March 16th on this course. Trainer Mike Pender brings him back quickly, stretches him out in distance, adds blinkers, and moves him to the grass. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #1 (In High Regards) - Colt stretches out a bit after a big pace-setting, second-place finish here at this level going "down the hill" on Oct. 6. Well-bred, lightly raced, and still improving, son of "In Excess" is a win candidate.
3rd pick: #4 (Winds of Dubai) - Gelding was beaten 5 lengths here racing for $25K at this distance Sept. 29. 3-year-old "hopped" at the break so the effort was fine considering that mishap. Price play.