Top pick: #4 (NAKAMOTO) (5-1) - Unraced since late March, he returns a NEW gelding, drops in class, and runs with blinkers on. When last in action, he just missed here going a mile facing tougher March 28. Working fast, and he can win this if he handles this often tricky 'down the hill' course.
2nd pick: #11 (Ultra Sharp) (9-2) - He's shipping back from Golden Gate Fields where he chased while wide before tiring to finish fourth going a mile. 3yo ran third here at this trip March 29 in what was a career best overall. Drops a bit and races with blinkers back on after a one race experiment.
3rd pick: #8 (Roth) (8-1) - One of three making their debuts, he's been in steady training since early March. The last pair of works are quicker than the rest and indicate trainer Jeff Mullins expects a competitive run.
4th pick: #7 (Larry Birdstone) (3-1) - From a barn that's on fire (Phil D'Amato), he rallied to finish fourth here at this trip facing winners in an upper-level starter-allowance May 2. In shape, stalker moves back in with maidens, and is an obvious contender.
5th pick: #3 (Stellar Act) (8-1) - He's racing third back off a 7-month layoff and is rounding into good form. Lightly raced & well bred, he must be left in the mix.