Top pick: #8 (KID GAVILAN) (7-5) - He has the best form of this group but is racing for the first time since Dec. 10. Gelding by the grass loving "Leroidesanimaux" rallied strongly to just miss that day at Gulfstream facing much tougher. He's taking a big drop and owner/trainer Chris Gatos has leading rider Gallardo aboard. There are mixed signals with this gelding, but I'll side with him in this rather weak looking group.
2nd pick: #2 (Kholberg) (9-2) - He has more early speed than most entered. Three-year-old tired last out racing for twice this price, but had finished fourth in his previous start at the same level. Racing into shape, trainer Tony Pecoraro drops him down for this assignment. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #5 (B Manone) (12-1) - Lightly-raced gelding went evenly from a tough outside post facing tougher in his grass debut here Jan. 25. Trainer Mike Dini drops his claiming price in half and he could factor at a big price
4th pick: #1 (Watch My Purse) (20-1) - He's shown nothing in a series of turf starts facing tougher. Veteran Forest Kaelin drops him to a new low and is adding blinkers. May get a small slice at a very big price.