Top pick: #2 (JAMES IRISH EYES) (7-2) - Very lightly-raced and speedy, he raced evenly here when facing much tougher Dec. 22 in his first since winning his debut on Dec. 19 of 2012. Gelding is working fast for this, takes a big class drop, and is from the high-percentage barn of Mike Chambers. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #7 (Mo Rock) (5-2) - Very consistent gelding has gone 9-1-2-5 since early August and has done so at a variety of levels. Stalker fits nicely and has all the speed to his left in the gate.
3rd pick: #1 (Max the Cash) (8-1) - Recent maiden winner has a speed/stalking style and earned a "figure" in his win that fits with these. In a good barn (Jeff Metz), gelding has the rail and has a shot in his first facing winners.
4th pick: #4 (Sky Avenger) (3-1) - Six-year-old enters in career best shape and will be moving from turf to dirt and shortening up in distance. Strong finisher has a fine local record on the main-track of 11-2-2-2 and must be left in the mix.