Top pick: #3 (KOZANI) (7-5) - Gelding has finished third here in two straight facing tougher going longer on the turf. Meet is nearing it's end and big operations like trainer Bob Diodoro's are dropping horses down to get a win before shipping out. Speed/stalker has never run this low, moves from grass to dirt, and shortens up in distance. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #7 (Merlot Brando) (7-2) - Speedy sort enters off a career best 'figure' on March 9. Racing at this level, he set a pressured pace, and missed by a 'nose' after holding gamely during the stretch run. It was his first off a trainer change, and Cal. bred should be involved every step.
3rd pick: #1 (Fourth Generation) (5-1) - Stalking type has finished second in two of three here at this level since returning from almost a two month layoff in late January. Has the rail and must be left in the small mix of contenders.