Top pick: #1 (BLUE TIE AFFAIR) - Part of an entry with #1a "Phil's Boy", this colt broke his maiden here on Nov. 11, and has finished second and third in a pair at this level since then. Lasix is added for the first time and that should be enough for him to go back to the winner's circle.
2nd pick: #3 (Savor the Flavor) - Price play has the rail and ran very poorly last out to finish 9 lengths back of "Affair". However, in his previous pair he was competitive and has "bounced back" with good efforts off of bad ones in the past.
3rd pick: #2 (Mr. Big Shot) - Grey gelding is coupled in the betting with #2b "Mr. Money Maker" and moves up to face fellow Ohio-bred allowance foes after a pair of solid efforts facing claimers. Can factor from close range.