Top pick: #6 (ELSAROARIN) - Colt ran well here last year in a pair of starts at this level on the dirt. Son of "Roarin Fever" hasn't raced for almost a year, but is training well for his return (and first on the grass) and is in a barn (Ronnie Werner) that's excellent with long range returnees (26%). The top pick.
2nd pick: #8 (Elsie's Warrior) - This gelding by "Desert Warrior" has also been away a year and when last seen was finishing second here at this level and distance. He's been prepared at Monmouth by another good long range barn (Kiaran McLaughlin 25%). Win factor.
3rd pick: #1 (Good to be Me) - Gelding tired here last out when tackling a $100K state-bred stakes and faces off against fellow maidens again today. Has ability and trainer Bruce Brown cuts him back in distance for this. Has the rail and is a win candidate.