Top pick: #5 (MY SECRET AFFAIR) (8-5) - So. California shipper makes his first start ever on conventional dirt. Stalker has been competitive facing tougher on both grass and "poly" and has four straight bullet works on the Santa Anita dirt heading into this. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #8 (Zooks) (7-2) - Gelding ran poorly following a very slow getaway facing much better on the Del Mar "poly" Nov. 14. Idaho bred had been in good form prior to that racing on the Albuquerque dirt and has a solid shot at completing the exacta.
3rd pick: #2 (Brynel) (4-1) - Another in good form racing in New Mexico 4-0-2-2. Strong finisher is making her local debut and on Aug. 27 at Albuquerque she was only a "neck' back of "Zooks."
4th pick: #3 (Ye Call Me Chief) (10-1) - Un-raced since late April even paced gelding is working well for his return. Speed/stalker could factor at a square price if ready off almost a 7-month layoff.