Top pick: #5 (RAINIER MISSILE) - He's the only member of this eight horse field who has ever raced before. Gelding by "Golden Missile" has been well-backed in all four of his starts at Emerald Downs and races today off a 4 1/2 month layoff. Training fast locally for his return and he's the horse to beat if ready.
2nd pick: #4 (Expert This) - Working fast for his debut and races for a very sharp outfit (Manny Ortiz). Barn doesn't deal with many maidens and is 1-for-4 with first-time starters.
3rd pick: #3 (Maui Paniolo) - Gelding by "Tizbud" has been in steady training here for two months and most all the works are well-above average. In a good barn (Joe Toye) and looks like he set to contend.