Top pick: #3 (ELLA'S KITTEN) (7-2) - He's finished second in four straight, including three in a row here at this level. Speed/stalker missed by less than a length on Jan. 27 on this course and has worked fast since. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #1 (Citron Kid) (3-1) - So. California shipper has been facing tougher most of his career and runs off a positive trainer change to Mike Chambers (29% with new arrivals). Working fast since coming here and a win candidate.
3rd pick: #6 (Shoot for Lute) (9-2) - Speedy gelding exits the same Jan. 27 race as "Ella" and after setting a pressured pace he tired in the final 1/16th to finish fourth, only two back of that rival. That was a career best and was his first on the turf. His speed makes him dangerous.
4th pick: #7 (Confederate Kid) (8-1) - Lightly-raced gelding moves back in with maidens and will be racing on the grass for the first time. $100K yearling is one of three entered for the $30K "optional" claiming price.
5th pick: #4 (Runaway Cal) (6-1) - Long-time maiden is making his 25th start and has gone 20-0-3-6 in his career on the grass and is 5-0-1-3 on this surface. Must be left in the mix, but others are more likely to win this.