Top pick: #4 (ASK JOE) - One of two runners entered by leading trainer Jamie Ness and they'll race uncoupled. This lightly raced 5-year-old has won three in a row and 7 of 15 overall. Grey gelding has good early speed and the level and distance are fine. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #7 (Ennis) - Talented gelding has won 6 of 9 overall and is 2-for-2 since he was claimed by Dale Bennett. Stalker looked sharp when winning here Dec. 31 and is primed for another big effort.
3rd pick: #3 (War Fighter) - The "other" Ness runner didn't win last year but faced tougher in all eight starts. He hasn't raced on real dirt since last March and by the way he's working here he shoul be sharp.