Top pick: #9 (MELISSA'S SHADOW) (3-1) - Much improved of late, filly has finished second in three straight. The first pair of those came at Canterbury Park with the latest coming here at this tag going 5-furlongs Oct. 20th. Minnesota bred has a flexible style and gets a slight edge.
2nd pick: #5 (Afternoon Wedding) (5-2) - One of two entered by trainer Eric Kruljac, and the pair race uncoupled. She ran evenly after a "troubled" break here Oct. 20th and was six lengths back of "Melissa." Filly is a win candidate with a "clean" getaway.
3rd pick: #11 (Gypsy Rain) (7-2) - The second of the Kruljac fillies, she set the pace and held "gamely" to finish second here to a heavy favorite at this tag Oct. 20th. Cal bred has now run second in four of her six starts and should be involved every step. Home bred is in the three horse win mix.
4th pick: #7 (Roxie Hart) (8-1) - Mare ships in from New Mexico where she was competitive in both sprint tries at Alburquerque. 5yo should get a fast and/or contested pace to rally into, but believe a small slice is her ceiling.
5th pick: #8 (Allie Gale) (12-1) - Lightly raced and speedy, filly is working fast for her first since Sept. 11th of 2013. Small barn drops her in class, and she does have a bit of early speed. May get a minor award if ready.