Top pick: #6 (WHIPS AND LEATHER) (9-2) - One of two entered by trainer Eric Kruljac and the pair race un-coupled. Lightly-raced filly was involved in a pace-duel last out and held gamely to finish second. She runs third off a 7 week freshening and gets some weight off with apprentice Van Dyke aboard.
2nd pick: #8 (Heaven's Bargain) (3-1) - Cal.-bred missed by a "head" and was two lengths lengths better than "Whips and Leather" going 5-furlongs on Feb. 4. She draws well and the extra furlong she travels today is a plus. Win candidate.
3rd pick: #7 (Casa Del Mar) (5-2) - The second of the Kruljac duo, she ships in from Golden Gate Fields and will be cutting back in distance and racing on conventional dirt for the first time. Well-bred 4-year-old had a nice local work on Jan. 20.
4th pick: #5 (Panfila) (5-1) - Bit player comes off a career best when she rallied to finish second at this tag on Feb. 19. This field is much tougher and a small slice is her ceiling.