Top pick: #9 (BELLA KATERI) (2-1) - Filly by "Tale of the Cat" ships from Keeneland where she finished 3rd of 12, beaten just over two lengths when debuting there on April 10th. She took her share of action at the windows and was facing "open" special weights. Good small barn (Michelle Nihei) moves her to the grass, has her in with fellow New York breds, and has John Velazquez aboard.
2nd pick: #8 (Honey Child) (6-1) - Speedy filly hasn't seen action since late Oct. on this surface at this level and distance. She spent the winner in Florida, has a new trainer (George Weaver), and is a threat at a square price.
3rd pick: #11 (Lutheran Miss) (6-1) - Nice debut saw her chase and hold gamely to finish second after breaking from a tough outside post (11th of 11) on Aqueduct's inner surface March 15th. An underrated barn (Jay Servis 27% second time out) moves her to the grass and home-bred must be left in the mix.
4th pick: #1 (Loomin Lori Lou) (7-2) - Speedy sort has been beaten as the favorite in three straight dirt starts and has been freshened up by trainer Chad Brown since March 20th. She's bred for grass success, has the rail, and should be involved every step.
5th pick: #12 (Funky Munky Fever) (8-1) - Filly has had some issues at the start in both outings, but did recover to run well last out in her first on the grass. Daughter of "Roaring Fever" cuts back in distance, has a fine work on May 5th, and can factor with an alert getaway.