Top pick: #11 (EIGHT STITCHES) (5-2) - Lightly raced and well-bred, colt ships in from Golden Gate Fields where he finished third of seven, beaten two lengths as the heavy favorite on Jan. 1. Son of "Orientate" runs off a training switch to the leading man here (Bob Diodoro) and this 4-year-old draws a nice outside post at this 6.5-furlong trip. This is his first on real dirt and he's the likely winner if he takes to it.
2nd pick: #9 (Mr. Spokane) (7-2) - Another that's lightly raced with good bloodlines, gelding by "Birdstone" ran a career best when he finished second here at this level and distance on Jan. 4. Back in shape after coming off a seven month layoff in early December and a strong factor.
3rd pick: #10 (Play Hard to Win) (8-1) - He has 10 minor awards to go along with his one win and he's dropping down in class and shortening up in distance. Gelding was in "over his head" last out and was in good form prior to that effort.
4th pick: #5 (Northern Smoke) (6-1) - Grey gelding raced evenly while very wide last out when finishing fourth here at this level going 5.5-furlongs. No-speed type should like todays added distance and would love a fast and/or contested pace to develop.