Top pick: #5 (MALICIOUS) - Very speedy gelding has a lot of back class and runs today first off a claim by the leading trainer here (Jamie Ness). He wins at a solid 35% rate first off the claim and this grey 4-year-old by "Rockport Harbor" looks to be too much for the others to handle.
2nd pick: #3 (Ritmo Criollo) - He's been sharp in three straight here at this level and last out was beaten a 1/2 length going 7 furlongs. Cuts back a furlong, has a speed/stalking style, and should factor today.
3rd pick: #1 (Bandman) - He's (5-2-0-1) here this meet after returning from an 8 1/2 month absence in early Feb. Stalker finished a close up third last out at this level and distance and he has the rail.